KUALA LUMPUR – The apex court’s decision to dismiss Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) appeal to reinstate the proposed Taman Rimba Kiara development mega project has been described as a major victory for the community.
Save Taman Rimba Kiara Working Group, Persatuan Penduduk Rumah Panjang Bukit Kiara, and Taman Tun Dr Ismail Residents’ Association, in a joint statement, noted how various parties have been fighting and committing to preserve the park since 2016.
They said this struggle has been possible due to the collective unity and perseverance shown by the community to protect green spaces against unsustainable commercial interests.
“This decision is a landmark victory for our community and neighbouring communities who have been relentless and unwavering in their fight and commitment to preserve Taman Rimba Kiara,” they said today.
The groups also thanked Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh for championing the welfare of the longhouse community there and the preservation of the park.
Earlier today, a three-person Federal Court bench unanimously decided that the development order for the Taman Rimba Kiara is null and void, upholding the Court of Appeal’s decision in January 2021.
Judge Datuk Nallini Pathmanathan, in the judgment, said the appeal filed by DBKL did not have merit.
Today’s decision brings to a closure the years-long legal battle between the Federal Territories authorities and affected communities.
The proposal to develop Taman Rimba Kiara consists of the construction of nine apartment blocks there, which would also see the demolition of longhouses located in one of the city’s last green lungs.
Following today’s court decision, the interest groups are now urging the government to build new, permanent, and affordable housing for the 100 longhouse families in the four acres of their current residence.
Separately, the groups urged those in power to respect the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2020 by leaving Taman Rimba Kiara untouched as a green public park, and to ensure all necessary actions are taken to demonstrate compliance with the plan.
“Let us now focus on doing the right thing, by working together to deliver permanent housing for the longhouse community, and concurrently preserving Taman Rimba Kiara for our future generations.” – The Vibes, April 18, 2023
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