A PROPOSAL to build a sports and recreational complex on the site of a disused sewage treatment plant in Taman Bukit Indah, Kuala Lumpur, has resurfaced despite having been rejected by authorities previously.
A development signboard for Lot 44432 along Jalan Nyaman 9 is seeking public feedback for a temporary sports complex with community hall facilities.
Stakeholders have until April 30 to submit their views to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
Residents are questioning why the proposal is being revisited, noting that it was turned down by DBKL last year for failing to comply with the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (KLLP2040).
Happy Garden and Continental Park Residents Association (HGCPRA) treasurer P. Tamilwanan said the government land was zoned for residential use.
“As such, using it for sports facilities would require it to be rezoned as ‘private facilities’.
“This means KLLP2040 must be amended and re-gazetted.
“The credibility of the local plan will be questioned if it can be so easily changed by DBKL.”
HGCPRA secretary Evelyne Low described the move as a betrayal of the community’s trust.
“If DBKL keeps reconsidering similar proposals, how many times must residents go through the same ordeal of watching for a Rule 3 notice, submitting objections and waiting helplessly?”
A Rule 3 notice is a public notification, issued under planning permission procedures, requiring project details to be displayed and inviting feedback within a stipulated period.
Low added that HGCPRA had previously objected to plans involving the site, which was proposed to be rezoned to “residential” from “public utility” in the draft KLLP2040.
“We lobbied DBKL to rezone it as open space (OS1) instead, but without success.
“We recently urged the Federal Territories Department to consider rezoning it as OS1 following the minister’s announcement on the gazettement of open spaces.
“We urge the Federal Territory Land and Mines Office, as the ‘guardian’ of the site, to preserve the area’s character and peace.”
HGCPRA will help facilitate objections by residents on the proposed development today at 5pm in Jalan Nyaman 8.
Resident Yong Ching Lok, 69, said parking was already a nightmare in the area.
“If more cars come in because of this project, I do not know how residents are supposed to cope,” he said.
Ng Wai Khean, 59, suggested that a small park for walking and relaxation would better serve the community’s needs.
Khoo Chin Hock, 61, said: “It is already busy enough; we do not need more cars and noise.”
In January, DBKL issued a statement saying it had decided not to approve the application, which included badminton and pickleball facilities, as it did not align with zoning criteria under the KLLP2040.
