A coalition consisting of residential groups in Kuala Lumpur is advocating for increased transparency regarding the sale of a 10.1-hectare land portion of Taman Rekreasi Ayer Panas in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, to a private company.
Kuala Lumpur Residents Associations+ (KLRAs+), a coalition consisting of 55 residents associations, is seeking clarification on how a public park land was authorized for sale to a developer.
In a statement to StarMetro, the group expressed concern that the land sale contradicts the current Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2020 (KLSP2020).
“KLSP2020 policy No.133 CF3 stipulates: ‘Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) must ensure that all government land is utilized for government or public facility purposes,'” said KLRAs+.
The group insists that the land in question should be preserved as a green area for public use. The Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur Land and Mines Office (PTGWP) and DBKL have an obligation to strictly adhere to the currently effective KLSP, according to KLRAs+.
KLRAs+ responded to a report by StarMetro on August 21 titled “Setapak loses green lung.”
The land in question was previously government-owned and was part of Lot 29780. It served as a beloved public park within the community.
DBKL’s office building at the park has been abandoned since January.
“Green areas and public land within the city have become extremely limited, and it is imperative that we do not lose any more of these lands,” stated KLRAs+.
“The authorities, particularly DBKL, are responsible for the well-being of Kuala Lumpur citizens.
“They are expected to, at the very least, abide by the rules and regulations to effectively manage the city.
“This case further exemplifies the structural problems surrounding the process of sale or lease of land owned by PTGWP,” added KLRAs+.
The coalition asserts that any application to purchase or lease public land must undergo a public consultation process to address the concerns of the people and consider objections.
“KLRAs+ requests for relevant provisions in the National Land Code to be amended to align with the policies governing public land as outlined in the respective gazetted structural plans.
“In the case of Kuala Lumpur, specific guidelines must be established to ensure public consultation and engagement for complete transparency and accountability. Additionally, DBKL must strictly adhere to the current KLSP when granting approvals related to public land,” remarked the group.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
