RESIDENTS of Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) in Kuala Lumpur have voiced concerns over potential noise pollution and parking issues arising from a proposed open-air pickleball court on Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi.
A project signboard states that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) received an application to build a one-storey temporary open-air pavilion for a pickleball court with a plot ratio of 1:0.44 on Lot 31212.
Residents living along Lorong Burhanuddin Helmi 1, located directly behind the proposed site, said the development could disrupt daily life.
A resident, See Kot Yeng, 72, said the proximity of the site to his home was worrying.
“The back part of my house is only about 2.13m away from the proposed site.
“Though building an enclosed court could reduce noise, I don’t think the landowner would do that as it would incur higher costs,” he said.
Similarly, Gina Yap, 64, said she was concerned that games could continue late into the night.
“I am also working from home and the noise generated will affect my focus,” said Yap, who works in the advertising industry.
Ng Heok Seong, 63, questioned the need for another pickleball court in the area, noting that existing facilities were already available nearby.
“One such court is located in Kampung Sungai Penchala, which is only about 3km away from Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi.
“We are not against the sport, but the location of the courts is very important.
“They should not be too close to residential areas,” he said.
Pickleball has drawn complaints in several cities worldwide, including Hanoi, Vietnam, and Singapore, due to its higher-pitched and louder sound compared to tennis or badminton.
Ng also raised concerns about parking.
“The proposed plan does not seem to include parking within the court area, which means visitors would need to park in existing roadside bays, further reducing available space for residents and workers.
“More cars would also flock into the residential areas due to insufficient parking space,” he said.
TTDI Residents’ Association exco Khairudin Rahim said foundation works began about a month ago without prior consultation with residents.
He said DBKL issued a stop-work order to the landowner on Jan 30 and the site was still sealed as of Feb 28.
“We also filed an official objection to DBKL on Feb 24,” he said, adding that DBKL had not responded to the objection as of Feb 28.
Khairudin also said holes left on the site following the stop-work order could become mosquito breeding grounds, especially after rainfall.
DBKL had not responded to queries on the matter at press time.
