A PROPOSED multi-facility sports and wellness complex along Jalan Kuantan, Kuala Lumpur, should be built at another location following objections from locals, Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad says.
Speaking during an engagement session between the developer and residents held at Kelab Golf Titiwangsa Polis Diraja Malaysia, Nik Nazmi said residents’ concerns must be viewed in the context of long-running traffic, parking and enforcement issues around Taman Tasik Titiwangsa.
“If there is a way to accommodate (the facility) within Taman Tasik Titiwangsa rather than encroaching into a residential area, I think that will be better.
“It has been very challenging for the residents,” he said of traffic congestion in the area.
The session was held following objections to the project, which residents said involved conversion of a residential lot for commercial use.
The proposal outlines a sports and wellness hub on a 0.28ha plot at the junction of Jalan Kuantan and Jalan Temerloh.
A presentation shown during the session listed eight pickleball courts, refreshment area, wellness centre, changing rooms and toilets, surau and children’s playground among the amenities.
Project spokesperson Afshin Mohammadian said the complex was intended to be a small-scale community facility.
“Basically, what we are trying to do on this land is just a small facility to benefit the community.
“There will be no nightlife, no heavy activity and everything is based on membership,” he said.
Afshin added that the facility would operate on a booking basis, with on-site parking and acoustic measures to mitigate noise from the pickleball courts.
Residents, however, questioned whether the proposed parking measures would suffice.
They said visitors could remain in the area after using the facility, to visit the park or nearby eateries, and that could affect parking turnover.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) senior urban and regional planner Azrin Zarhadi Ariffin clarified that the project has yet to be approved.
“The decision will be made by the mayor.
“Views will be evaluated according to procedure.
“For now, the project has not been approved,” he said.
Azrin said DBKL had recorded both objections and support for the proposal, which would be reported to the mayor within 14 days.
During the session, residents raised questions on preliminary works carried out at the site.
Azmi Maulud, representing a shareholder of the developer, said no structural works had begun but land clearing had taken place.
He said DBKL had issued a stop-work order and a RM50,000 fine, following residents’ complaints.
Azmi added that the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 did not prohibit the conditional conversion of residential land to commercial use.
While most of those who spoke up at the session objected to the proposal, at least two attendees voiced support, urging DBKL to follow due process and give the project a fair hearing if it complied with requirements.
Titiwangsa Residents Association president Laif Ahmad Fisal said residents remained concerned that any approval could affect the residential character of the neighbourhood and set a precedent for further commercial activity.
He said residents hoped the engagement session would not merely be a procedural exercise.
