RESIDENTS of Kampung Bohol, Kuala Lumpur are living in fear of the proposed development of plots of land adjacent to a retention pond (RP), which could increase flooding in their neighbourhood, they said.
They are now pleading with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (PMX) to stop the development for the well-being of residents.
Taman Kinrara Batu 7½ Puchong residents association chairman Alvin Lee said they were against the development because they wanted the RP to be maintained.
“Its (RP) not even properly maintained and they (developers) want to develop the area. It doesn’t make sense.
“This area has already been flooded three times. We are seriously concerned about flooding occurring again. Enough is enough,” he told The Vibes.
He said on July 16, they had sent a letter to Anwar requesting an explanation on why the decision was made to reclassify natural reserve land for development.
“Considering the residents’ concerns, we hope PMX can ensure that this project is scrapped.
“We hope it will remain a RP and that a recreational facility can be built here for the residents.”
Alvin said that over 1,000 families living around the area would be affected by the project.
New Straits Times had reported in May that a developer had committed RM40 million to “upgrade” the RP along the Kesas Highway as part of its winning bid for a housing project tender.
The developer would also fork out RM41.7 million for the premium of six plots of adjacent land measuring 10.85ha.
It was reported that in the Dewan Rakyat, Federal Territories Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa had said the government had made the decision to allow high density residential properties to be developed on a third of the land.
In May, both Seputeh MP Teresa Kok and Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai raised objections when the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur Lands and Mines Office called for bids to develop six plots amounting to 10.85ha.
Alvin said the residents didn’t want these areas to be developed for more residences.
“We don’t need to mention the number of houses (that will be affected) or traffic congestion. If the area is developed, where will the water (from the RP) go?
“Kinrara will be flooded again. We are not against the government, but we want to know what is happening to our protest after highlighting it to Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof?”
“We have already run out of resources. There is nothing else we can do. We will have to discuss and might explore other options.”
He added that their last recourse would be legal action, but they would first have to discuss it with the affected residents.
“We were told by a PMX special officer last year in May that this project was to be scrapped. But six months later the project was started again. This is very disappointing. We hope to get a response from the government, but so far nothing.” – July 25, 2024.
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