WE refer to the recent announcement by Datuk Ab Hakim Borhan, the datuk bandar of Kuala Lumpur, that the Kuala Lumpur local plan will be put up for public review in June 2008.

We look forward to working together with DBKL on the local plan to ensure a city that we can all be proud to live in.

We are, however, concerned about the statement by the datuk bandar that, “the (independent) committee would re-evaluate the proposals and come up with the best possible solution for all. But the people have to be reasonable about it. If the issue is about a little open space earmarked for development, don’t expect that there will be changes”.

We are not against development in any way, but if the “people” have to be reasonable, so should the developers. To submit applications to build apartments on land clearly earmarked for bungalow houses is not reasonable. To change the whole identity and character of an area is not reasonable. To inconvenience residents is not reasonable.

As an example: a seven-acre hill plot meant for just 15 bungalows is now crammed with 10 bungalows, 44 semi-detached houses, one eight-storey apartment block (28 units), one 15-storey apartment block (56 units), five-storey duplexes (70 units); another 10-storey block (110 units) on the fringes of this development; an increase in density from 10 persons per acre to well over 140 persons per acre.

Imagine, too, the projected traffic chaos with a minimum of 500 cars - compared with the original 30 - flowing onto little country lanes.

Once an approval for increase in density is given, that is then used as a base for the next application. The residents are then left to argue from facts set on the ground by DBKL and the developers.

Residents should not have to negotiate with shifting goalposts all the time. As it is, the townsfolk of Kuala Lumpur are constantly looking over their shoulders. What will be built next door? Another 45-storey apartment block? Further traffic congestion?

We now have to act as vigilantes and are patrolling our neighbourhoods, looking for that elusive signboard, having to scour newspaper notices, and being on standby all the time just to protect our rights.

We not only have to waste time sending protest letters, but have to attend public objection hearings which would never have to be conducted if the application had been rejected as it should have been.

If we in Bukit Tunku and Taman Duta, who pay premium land prices and high assessment rates, are facing these problems, what then of those less privileged? With this local plan, there should be clarity and precise regulations.

We look to you, DBKL, to prove to us that local councils do act for the residents as well. Until the local plan is out, we urge DBKL to stop any ad-hoc developments in Kuala Lumpur.

Please don’t accept any more applications that are contrary to guidelines of that area. Make them comply with rules and regulations. Please do the right thing, datuk bandar.

MUTHANNA ABDULLAH, for Bukit Tunku Residents Association, Kuala Lumpur

Source: NST – February 14, 2008