Non-governmental organizations have expressed relief as Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) has halted planning permission for a housing development on the hillslopes of Taman Kelab Ukay.
Ariv Chelvam, the founder of Ampang Jaya Deserves Better, welcomed the decision made by the local council but raised concerns about whether any reforms have been made to state development guidelines, including how similar developments are processed within MPAJ.
Residents of Taman Kelab Ukay had previously protested against the proposed project near Ukay Club Villas, which involves constructing townhouses, apartment blocks, and multi-storey carparks in four phases.
Ariv stated that MPAJ, being the sole entity responsible for issuing planning permission in Ampang Jaya, has a statutory duty to comply with Act 172 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1976.
According to the statements received from the Town and Country Planning Department (PlanMalaysia) on Aug 29, the development did not obtain approval from the National Physical Planning Council (NPPC).
Ariv pointed out that the process of granting planning permission was already flawed since MPAJ should have referred the development to the NPPC instead of solely depending on the State Planning Committee.
A letter from PlanMalaysia, shared with StarMetro on Aug 29, revealed that the proposed development in Taman Kelab Ukay is situated on land with 66% Classes I and II slopes and 44% Classes III and IV slopes.
PlanMalaysia stated that this application, in accordance with Act 172, requires advice from NPPC due to its location on a sensitive environmental area involving the top or slope of a hill.
To ensure compliance with Act 172, Ariv called upon the Federal and state governments, as well as the local planning authority, to review all published guidelines, manuals, and procedures used by government agencies in town and country planning.
Eriko Motoyama, the director of the SlopeWatch program, emphasized the importance of slope safety for residents living near precarious hillslopes.
She highlighted the need for secure slopes before any construction takes place, particularly for slopes classified as Classes III and IV.
Motoyama also called for developers to be transparent about the risks involved and to ensure no landslips occur during and after construction.
On Aug 29, MPAJ president Dr Ani Ahmad announced that the project had been halted as the planning permission issued to develop the area had expired on Oct 13 last year.
If the developer wishes to proceed with the project, it would be required to re-apply for planning permission, ensuring a comprehensive study of all aspects of development in the hilly area.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
