Residents want a proper study

25/09/2007 The Star By SALINA KHALID

MEDAN Damansara residents are up in arms against the proposed development on a slope near their houses. They say the project should at least be postponed until a proper study has been conducted.

A group of 30 residents gathered at the site on Monday to voice their objections and ask for a meeting with the Kuala Lumpur mayor.

Medan Damansara Residents Association president Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Shukor Abdullah said their main concern is the safety of the residents if the project were to be allowed.

“There have been several landslides at the slope.

“Now, we are worried about the possibility of what could happen if the development is carried out,” he said.

He added that the slope's gradient was more than 30°, making it unsafe for development.

Also present were Segambut MP Datuk Dr Tan Kee Kwong and Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad.

Dr Abdul Shukor also expressed his dissatisfaction over the decision by DBKL to allow such a development.

“This is the only green lung in the area and the earlier developer SPPK (Syarikat Perumahan Pegawai Kerajaan) promised to keep it as such.

“Now DBKL has approved development and we were not consulted at all,” he said.

He added that developing the site would also cause environmental harm.

The residents association had also requested that City Hall disclose documents including the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and DBKL Geological reports on the development.

Medan Damansara was developed about 40 years ago for government servants. Now, a majority of them have retired from their service in the public sector.

Dr Abdul Shukor said the land, measuring more than five hectares, has been approved for 21 bungalow units.

Shahrir said the authorities should abide by the rules and guidelines especially when it comes to such developments to avoid unnecessary expenses later on.

“We have had several development projects which gave problems including landslides and other defects which only cost more money to rectify them.

“PAC does not want to see any implausible expenses by the government which could have been avoided,” he said, urging City Hall to also consider the voice of the residents.

Meanwhile, Dr Tan also said DBKL should have considered the voice of the residents and met with them prior to giving the green light.

Dr Tan added that he would write a letter to the mayor soon and would also bring the matter to the Federal Territory Action Council Meeting.