AMPANG JAYA – Residents of Taman Tun Abdul Razak (Taman TAR) here are having jitters over the possibility of worsening environmental damage – including floods – impacting their community if a purported redevelopment of the Kelab Darul Ehsan (KDE) golf club is ensue.
Their concerns were raised during a hearing on the draft of the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council’s (MPAJ) Local Plan 2035 held at its headquarters yesterday.
Nearly 40 Taman TAR residents were in attendance, with some representatives voicing out collective concerns about deteriorating flood conditions, as well as noise, air and waste pollution, among other issues, stemming from a purported massive redevelopment of KDE.
The nine-hole golf course sits on 26.3ha of land and is flanked by forested areas and several affluent neighbourhoods. It is privately owned by Berjaya Land Bhd, which is a Berjaya Corp subsidiary.
According to documents sighted by The Vibes, the redevelopment plan will see the golf club divided into several development parcels, including the construction of 243 bungalow units, 50 units of linked houses and a clubhouse.
The hearing was open to the public to voice objections or suggestions to MPAJ and representatives of the Selangor government over their town planning. However, it was not open to the media.
A concerned resident raised the fact that there are several river streams that run across the club and any potential development will increase the risk of floods in the area.
That particular area is already considered a water catchment area. By cutting down trees and placing concrete, floods are bound to occur – especially with the erratic weather brought about by climate change,”' said the resident.
Following the session, several other residents warned that Taman TAR and the adjacent Ukay Heights have faced several incidences of flash floods.
The purported development could also disrupt the serene and peaceful living conditions of surrounding communities.
Concerns were also raised about residential roads in the vicinity not being able to handle hundreds of construction vehicles coming in and out of the area if KDE is developed.
Similarly, noise, air and waste pollution were also brought up as critical issues, with another resident raising alarm that the neighbourhood’s ageing irrigation and water supply system could be further disrupted by the purported development.
Taman TAR which flanks KDE is mainly populated by retirees, and it is regarded as an ageing community, according to a long-time resident.
Locals also raised the fact that Taman TAR was originally planned to include a dedicated green space – which was a feature that had attracted many to purchase homes in the area
‘Development cannot be pursued without community approval’
KDE is zoned as private land for sports and recreation.
In fact, it was pointed out that it remains gazetted for sports and recreation in MPAJ’s draft local plan. One resident claimed that “all” Taman TAR residents agree it should remain that way.
The residents repeatedly stressed during the hearing that they would oppose any move for the status of the land to be altered, paving the way for redevelopment.
One of the prerequisites for such a change is that there must be at least two-thirds of approval from the local community.
While residents acknowledge that the land is privately owned, they stressed that any party wanting a change in its status must gain the appropriate support from local communities.
“They would also need to get two-thirds support from the club members, apart from the local communities,”' said a resident during the hearing.
Following the conclusion of the session, a Taman TAR resident explained that they prefer MPAJ to mediate any meetings between the party eyeing development on the land and relevant stakeholders, in order to prevent any miscommunication. – The Vibes, September 23, 2022
