Dog owners still have access to Bandar Utama’s Central Park, provided their pets are on a leash. — Filepic
Bandar Utama assemblyman Jamaliah Jamaluddin has stepped in to support pet owners upset over the closure of the off-leash area at Central Park’s dog-friendly facility.
Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) had demanded the removal of the fences around the park, closing the community’s off-leash area.
Jamaliah, in a statement, said she was informed that MBPJ ordered the Central Park dog run in Bandar Utama to be vacated within 14 days from Oct 7.
“My office has since received feedback and views from various parties, including the local community.
“Every opinion will be brought to MBPJ’s attention, as the decision falls under its jurisdiction.
“We are currently coordinating discussions with MBPJ to find the best solution, taking into account public interest and community needs,” she said.
On Oct 7, MBPJ Landscape director Badrulzaman Jaafar issued a notice to Bandar Utama City Centre Sdn Bhd, citing a violation of the city council’s Park By-Laws (MBPJ, 2005).
The township developer was instructed to cease all activities, vacate the area and remove the enclosure, including fences and signboards by Oct 21.
The area was fenced and gated by the developer two decades ago to allow pet dogs to roam freely within the park.
MBPJ also ordered the developer to restore the bald patches in the dog park by replanting grass within the same 14-day period.
A check at the park yesterday revealed that works to remove the fences and clear the area had begun.
Badrulzaman also told StarMetro that the city council had targeted the removal of the fenced area to carry out necessary upgrades, such as addressing the stagnant pond and improving jogging paths.
It was previously reported that Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon had assured the public that they would still be allowed to bring their pets, provided the animals remain leashed.
“If this facility has allowed pets for about 20 years, continuing the practice should not be a problem.
“However, there will be guidelines the public must follow,” he had said.
Certified dog trainer Dave Teoh, 30, said MBPJ’s insistence on dogs being on a leash was reasonable.
“The main concern is safety.
“The no-off-leash rule applies not only in Malaysia but everywhere,” he said.
Requiring dogs to be leashed at all times, he added, was one way to ensure everyone in the community could enjoy the recreation space in peace.
