Despite the cancellation of a planned protest at Vivekananda Ashram in Brickfields due to a lack of permit, a group of individuals still showed up to voice their concerns.
The gathering was organized to protest against the designation of some areas in the Little India township as major commercial zones in the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (KLLP2040) draft.
Datuk A. Chandrakumanan, chairman of Pusat Aduan Rakyat Malaysia, highlighted the value of land in Brickfields, expressing the need for preservation to maintain the heritage and identity of the area.
He emphasized the importance of retaining certain spaces in order to prevent the demolition of old buildings for the sake of profit-driven development.
Chandrakumanan pointed out the significance of Vivekananda Ashram as a heritage site, also noting the presence of a Tamil school behind the building.
He raised concerns about the potential impact of major developments in the vicinity on the adjacent structures.
Murali Subramaniam, Subang PKR adviser, raised questions regarding the designation of Vivekananda Ashram land as a major commercial area in the KLLP2040, despite its status as a heritage site.
He expressed uncertainty about the possibility of development on the site in light of this classification.
U. Thamotharan, president of Pertubuhan Kebajikan dan Amal India Baru Malaysia, stressed the importance of preserving the building as a physical representation of the Indian community’s presence in the area.
He emphasized the need to protect historical buildings and landmarks in order to maintain the cultural significance of Little India.
