RESIDENTS of Taman Fadason in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, are asking why a massive warehouse structure has surfaced on land earmarked for a school.
This came to light after Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) issued a stop-work order at Lot 67729 in Jalan 3/17, where an almost completed roofed steel structure stands despite the absence of a development signboard.
“We first noticed activity on the land months ago, but there was no development signboard telling us what was happening. We were left guessing.
“I have three school-going children and they often pass by the area. Their safety is my concern. So naturally, I want to know what is being built and who is carrying out the project,” said Lim.
“When I saw recently that DBKL issued a stop-work order and cordoned off the area with yellow plastic tape, I knew something was not right.”
Siti Sulaiman, another resident, said there was no hoarding or information board at the site.
“Construction materials have been left at the site and anyone can easily access the area.
“This is a big project in the middle of a residential neighbourhood, yet we could not find any information (about it). How are residents supposed to know what is going on?” she asked.
Siti pointed out that even homeowners carrying out major renovation works were required to display permits and notices.
“So we are concerned about this project and want answers.”
Parti Rakyat Malaysia Federal Territories complaints and welfare bureau head Lee Hoi Eng said the incident highlighted a recurring concern in Kuala Lumpur, where residents often only learn about developments after substantial work had taken place.
“I see this happening a lot in Kepong and Batu areas. By the time residents become aware of a project, construction is already well underway and questions start being asked only after complaints surface.
“There must be greater transparency from the beginning. Residents should not have to rely on rumours or enforcement notices to find out what is being built in their neighbourhood.
“DBKL must be more transparent especially when public land is involved, and before allowing any project to start,’’ added Lee.
Finding answers
Residents then sought the help of community activist Yee Poh Ping who did a status check on the land in question.
Yee said according to DBKL’s Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (KLLP2040) land use map, the 0.72ha site is designated as a public facility (PF1) for educational use, with ‘Pendidikan’ and ‘Sekolah Rendah’ listed as the approved activities.
“If the authorities no longer require the site for a school and are allowing it to be used for commercial purposes, the community deserves to be informed and consulted.
“You can’t have a warehouse and expect no traffic. People will come to do business, delivery trucks will come to load and unload goods, workers will drive in and out.
“Where are they going to park? What happens when lorries block the road?
“These are the things residents worry about because once the congestion starts, they have to deal with it every day,” said Yee.
Residents, he said, are calling on Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud to hold a public engagement session under Rule 3 to get direct answers from relevant parties and understand the rationale, scope and potential impact of the proposed development.
Rule 3, under the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Planning Rules 2025, requires developers and DBKL to notify and obtain feedback from affected residents and stakeholders before planning permission is granted.
Checks by StarMetro on DBKL’s planning portal showed that an application is currently being processed to amend a planning approval granted on July 5, 2024, involving the proposed construction of three temporary single-storey enclosed warehouse units for storage and retail purposes on the land.
Kuala Lumpur Residents Action for Sustainable Development (KLRA-SD) honorary secretary Joshua Low said residents had every right to ask for a Rule 3 engagement session.
“There seems to be a disconnect between the local authority and the people it serves.
“Residents believe they should be consulted on developments affecting their neighbourhoods, while DBKL may decide that a Rule 3 notice is unnecessary,” he said.
Low said the problem was that the current provision relied on the phrase “if he [the mayor] thinks necessary” without setting out any clear criteria.
“This leaves too much room for interpretation and creates uncertainty over when residents will be given a chance to be heard,” he added.
Mayor clarifies
Fadlun told StarMetro that the land belonged to the Federal Lands Commissioner (PTP) and was leased to De Dyno Sdn Bhd for the construction of a temporary one-storey enclosed shed.
He said DBKL had on July 5, 2024, granted a Temporary Development Order to the applicant for the enclosed shed to be used as a warehouse for the temporary sale of goods and retail purposes.
However, he said a stop-work order was subsequently issued after the developer failed to comply with the approved planning requirements.
When asked whether he would conduct a Rule 3 engagement session as requested by residents, Fadlun did not respond.
The project site has been cordoned off by DBKL. — Photo courtesy of YEE POH PING
The project site, which has no information board or hoarding, is easily accessible to the public and poses a safety risk.
Residents in Taman Fadason in Kepong are unhappy over this huge warehouse that has come up in their neighbourhood.
Low says residents have every right to ask for a Rule 3 engagement session.
Fadlun says DBKL granted a Temporary Development Order for the enclosed shed to be used as a warehouse.
Yee: If the authorities no longer require the site for a school, the community deserves to be informed and consulted.
Lee says it is unfair that residents learn about developments only after work has started.
