‘Turn leased plot into public park’

A view of Lot 67729 in Taman Fadason, which has been leased for commercial activities.

Taman Fadason residents in Kepong are renewing their call for a park, saying the neighbourhood has long lacked a proper green space.

They hope Lot 67729 at Jalan 3/17, which currently has temporary structures leased for commercial use and parking spaces, can be converted into a public green space.

Chook Kim Choy, who has lived in the neighbourhood for 16 years, said, “We have so many children and elderly people here who need a place to exercise, so I hope Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will consider turning it into a park.”

Another resident, Lim Chin Tay, said, “We need a playground and field so children have a place to play and everyone can exercise”.

Parti Rakyat Malaysia Federal Territories Complaints and Welfare Bureau (Central) head Lee Hoi Eng said authorities should consider residents’ need for public amenities when planning developments.

Taman Permata Fadason Joint Management Body chairman Alias Abdullah said the neighbourhood’s existing recreational facilities were insufficient for its large population.

He said Taman Permata Fadason comprised 720 units across three blocks and housed more than 5,000 residents.

“We had to sacrifice some land to make it into parking areas.

“Our recreational facilities are old and run down. We only have a small area left for a mini futsal court.”

Alias said Lot 67729 would be better used as a recreational park than for commercial purposes.

“Without proper fields and parks, how can we groom future athletes and nurture children who like sports?”

His son, Aniq Zafran Almuqaffa, 15, said he plays football in empty parking lots.

“I would like to have a recreational park where I can play football with my friends and make new friends,” he said.

Yee (left) speaking with residents about their proposal to convert Lot 67729 into a public recreational park.

Community activist Yee Poh Ping said the land had been part of the Taman Fadason development plan, which comprised Mutiara Fadason low-cost apartments, Permata Fadason medium-cost apartments, service apartments, shoplots and Fadason Villa landed homes.

He said the development had more than 4,000 units, alongside commercial units, but lacked a public green area despite the large population.

Padang Jinjang Utara – a field and playground – is located about 800m from Lot 67729.

Residents said a recreational space within Taman Fadason would make it more accessible, especially for children and elderly residents.

“This land was originally reser­ved for a school, but we hope it can now be converted into a green area to benefit residents.”

He added that the land should be considered for recreational use as there are several schools nearby such as SJK (C) Jinjang Tengah 1, SJK (C) Jinjang Tengah 2, SK La Salle 1 and SK La Salle 2, both in Jinjang, SMK Jinjang, SJK (C) Kepong 1 and SJK (C) Kepong 2.

“These schools are sufficient to accommodate the current number of students, so I do not see why this land cannot be converted into a park,” said Yee.

The playground outside Taman Permata Fadason apartments is also used for parking motorcycles.

Following his enquiry into the land’s status, Yee received a letter from the Department of the Director-General of Lands and Mines (JKPTG) on June 18.

The department confirmed that the land was owned by the Federal Government under the Federal Lands Com­missioner (PTP) and was temporarily being leased to prevent en­­croach­­­ment and ensure the site was properly managed and maintained.

The letter stated that the Federal Lands Commissioner has approved a temporary three-year lease of the land to a company, subject to conditions including maintaining the cleanliness of the site, not causing disturbance to nearby residents, and obtaining relevant approvals from DBKL and other agencies before beginning operations.

It also stated that the tenant was not allowed to build any permanent structures on the land, and that the lease could be terminated if the Federal Lands Commissioner required the land or if the tenant breached the lease conditions.

Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng supported the conversion of suitable land into parks and recreational areas for public use.

“These spaces make our neighbourhoods healthier, greener and better places to live.”

He suggested that Taman Fadason residents’ group write to the relevant authorities, with a copy to him, to request for the land to be consi­dered for recreational purposes.