KUALA LUMPUR City Hall (DBKL) has sealed a concrete batching plant in Taman Desa, Kuala Lumpur, pending a final decision by mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud on its operations, following residents' complaints about dust and noise.
Seputeh MP Teresa Kok said DBKL executive director (Planning) Rosli Nordin would compile a report for the mayor's consideration after a meeting with residents and the batching plant operator on Oct 1.
A DBKL officer confirmed the plant had been sealed.
Residents said dust and noise from the plant had affected their sleep and peace of mind since March.
Long-time resident Datuk Edmund Lim said its machinery could be heard until 10pm.
"I can hear the drone of the machines working every day and the dust from the construction site is affecting my health," he said.
Resident Walter Chew, whose house faces the plant, said his child's bedroom window looks directly onto the site.
He first saw the plant being built on Feb 6 and said residents had not been given a meaningful opportunity to raise concerns before its approval.
"We have been engaging DBKL on this issue for months. We have lodged official complaints, met the director of planning on July 15, attended several follow-up meetings and sent emails to the Datuk Bandar," he said.
Chew, who is a developer himself, said he was not opposed to the development but objected to the plant's proximity to homes.
Kok said DBKL had initially approved the temporary plant under the development order to reduce heavy vehicle movements.
"The batching plant operator said that without the batching plant, the project would need about 100 concrete lorries a day. That means 100 trips in and another 100 trips out.
"Having the plant on-site would reduce lorry traffic and vehicle emissions. But several projects are happening at the same time in Taman Desa, and DBKL must consider their combined impact," she said.
"We do not need high-density developments in neighbourhoods like this. Residents should have been properly consulted beforehand.
"For now, I support DBKL's decision to seal the plant and hope an amicable solution can be reached."
In a separate statement, the batching plant operator, Tenaga Mix (KL) Sdn Bhd said the plant would be dismantled once the building's structural works were completed.
It said a dust release on Sept 21 resulted from a faulty valve replaced that day. Sprinklers had been installed, and monthly air-quality monitoring would be conducted.
