Reject all development plans for Bukit Kiara

SINCE Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor’s appointment as the Federal Territories Minister, he has given assurance to KLites that one of his priorities will be to maintain more green spaces in the Federal Territories.

Friends of Bukit Kiara (FoBK) wholeheartedly welcomes this pledge.

At the same time, existing green lungs should be preserved and protected.

Take for instance, Bukit Kiara in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), one of the few remaining green lungs in the city. It is a haven for joggers, cyclists and nature lovers, and home to many wild plants, birds and monkeys.

Sadly, this green lung has been slowly “eaten up” from all sides over the past few years. Bukit Kiara’s strategic location is indisputable. It would be a shame if such beauty is exploited in the name of development.

The residents, together with Friends of Bukit Kiara, Malaysian Nature Society, Trails Association of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor and other organisations, have long been fighting to preserve the area as a green lung.

We hope the minister can assist us in this effort by immediately speeding up the gazetting of the 188.93ha at Bukit Kiara as a permanent forest reserve.

In 2007, the Cabinet decided to keep 188.93ha of the park green and FoBK feels that this decision should be respected by all.

What is of utmost concern to FoBK is the status of the 25ha of Lot 52314 meant for use as “polo and equestrian grounds” only.

FoBK is happy if the current status remains as it is not changing to commercial development.

FoBK hopes that the Federal Territories Minister will direct Kuala Lumpur City Hall (the approving authority for all projects in Bukit Kiara) not to consider approving any development plans submitted by private entrepreneurs.

The ministry and DBKL should maintain Bukit Kiara’s status as a green belt (as per the Cabinet’s decision in 2007) and should not allow anyone to claim any stake in it for development.

We hope that the minister can come up with an official statement rejecting any form of development in the Bukit Kiara area as it is one of the few green lungs left in the city.

Liew Khooi Cheng and Dr Pola Singh

Friends of Bukit Kiara

Kuala Lumpur

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