Confusion is mounting over the fate of a former sewerage treatment plant site in Jalan Nyaman 9, off Taman Bukit Indah, as Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) remains tight-lipped over why a development proposal it rejected just months ago is being revisited.
Despite having previously disqualified the sports complex project for not meeting Residential 1 (R1) zoning under Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (KLLP2040), DBKL is moving forward with a new public objection process.
The 0.48ha site, close to Happy Garden in Jalan Kelang Lama, remains a point of contention as the development process leaves residents in the dark over the land’s actual status.
In its latest response to StarMetro, DBKL confirmed it was processing the 2025 application in accordance with planning procedures, but failed to state what had changed to justify the U-turn or why it was disregarding its earlier decision.
Resident Yong Ching Lok, 69, said the lack of clarity was disappointing, as residents had hoped the initial rejection in June 2025 would have ended the matter.
“We thought the issue was closed. Now it is back again, and we are left wondering what has changed,” he said.
Former Seputeh parliamentary candidate Lee Wai Hong, who has been vocal about the site’s constraints, questioned the precedent this might set.
“We are concerned that this may be a precursor to something bigger,” he said.
“If this is allowed to go through, it may set a precedent for similar disused sewerage treatment plant sites elsewhere in Kuala Lumpur.”
StarMetro previously reported that under KLLP2040, former sewerage treatment plant sites were earmarked for redevelopment, with 10 designated as public open spaces and 26 slated for residential use.
Community leaders are also raising the alarm over the site’s physical limitations.
Happy Garden and Continental Park Residents Association secretary Evelyne Low said the proposal’s progression was baffling given the proximity to dense housing.
“We expected DBKL to drop the proposal,” she said.
“If it is to proceed, the objection hearing must be transparent and ensure residents’ views are properly taken into account.”
Resident Grace Chin, 70, pointed out worsening traffic and parking issues in the area.
“Traffic along Jalan Kelang Lama is heavy during peak hours and weekends.
“We are also dealing with double parking due to lack of bays.
“A sports complex will only add to the congestion and lack of parking,” she stressed.
While more than 350 objections have been submitted, residents are waiting to see if DBKL will override its own planning guidelines for this proposal.
