A ‘Private Land for Sale’ sign seen on one small parcel of land at block b of the Jalan Sepadu flats in Taman United, Kuala Lumpur.— Photos: CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
POSSIBLE commercial development at Jalan Sepadu flats in Taman United, Kuala Lumpur, has got residents worried.
Two small parcels of land within the compound of the flats, located next to the main road, are up for sale.
Residents fear they may be rented out to businesses, especially stallholders trading nearby.
Notices were put up announcing the sale of both lots – measuring 650sq ft at Block A and about 1,000sq ft at Block B.
The parcels are located on parts of a decommissioned sewage treatment plant site – fenced off years ago, but now overrun with weeds and debris.
An abandoned unit at Block A of the Jalan Sepadu flats lies in ruins, a stark reminder of years without proper maintenance.
Space constraints
To residents dealing with unrepaired leaking roofs and clogged drains, the sale is like adding salt to the wound.
“This place is falling apart; there’s no concern for cleanliness, hygiene or safety and now they want to sell what little space we have left?” asked Ho Ah Yen, who has lived in Block A for decades.
Resident Lee Ben Chuan said the area put up for sale was congested.
Long-time Block A residents Ho (front) and Lee say problems like leaky roofs and clogged drains should be solved first instead of putting the land up for sale.
“The fire hydrant is blocked, roadside traders are operating on the walkway and drains are clogged.
“These issues should be fixed before selling more land,” he said.
Seputeh People’s Represent-ative Council (MPPWP) Zone 6 chairman Alvin T. Ariaratnam said the plots were located within a commercialised and congested section of Jalan Sepadu.
“The parcels being sold are gazetted for residential use but is far too small to build a proper house,” he claimed.
“The only realistic option for any buyer would be to rent it to traders to set up stalls and that will only worsen congestion and hygiene problems,” he said.
Long-time resident CS Tan shared similar concerns.
“Both parcels are so small you can’t build a house on them.
“Why not turn them into a small garden or sitting area for residents instead?
“The owner of both plots could do this as a corporate social responsibility move,” he said.
Residents are worried the sale of the land will worsen congestion and cause hygiene problems.
Meant for residential use
When contacted, the landowner’s representative Stuart Ong confirmed the plots were privately owned.
“The owner has expressed an intention to sell the parcels, which are gazetted for residential use,” he said.
When asked about the size of the plots, which are too small for any reasonable home, Ong said, “We just put it up for sale. Whoever buys it and whatever they plan to do with it is up to them, provided they get the necessary approvals from DBKL (Kuala Lumpur City Hall).”
Ong said a land valuation survey was still being carried out, and he could not disclose the estimated price.
When StarMetro visited the site, both plots were fenced off with steel gates.
The area at Block A was littered with junk, including an old sofa and a damaged rubbish bin missing a wheel.
“Based on DBKL’s development guidelines, the plots are gazetted for residential use, meaning any future activity, including temporary trading, requires approval’’ added Alvin.
Residents, however, fear that once sold, the new owners may exploit the lots for commercial purposes such as renting them to roadside traders, which could further strain an already overcrowded and poorly maintained area.
“If these lots are turned into trading zones, it will only worsen congestion and take away what little liveable space the community still has,” said Alvin adding that having open spaces at walk-up flats was crucial for residents, especially the elderly.
A resident showing the stagnant monsoon drain outside Block C of the flats.
Community garden proposed
Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, who was unaware of the issue, said she would look into it.
“While the landowner has the right to sell, any proposed use must take into account the area’s existing conditions and community well-being.
“At the same time, DBKL should be cautious when issuing business licences in congested or unsuitable locations to avoid worsening traffic and hygiene problems,” she said.
Kok added that she would approach the landowner to appeal for the land to be converted into a small community garden or leisure nook.
