On August 24, holes were dug up on a field in Kampung Ampar Tenang in Dengkil, Selangor, with the intent of marking the area. However, residents managed to stop the work before any barriers were put up. They have been appealing to the landowner for over ten years to preserve the field and allocate it to SJK (T) Ladang Ampar Tenang, which is located adjacent to it. This field is the only one in the village and is used for various sporting activities, particularly by the children and youth for playing football. It is also used by local football clubs and outsiders. The residents raised concerns about the lack of alternatives if the field is taken away.
StarMetro previously reported on this issue on July 30 last year, with the article titled ‘Field of Dreams.’ In the article, the president of Sepang Municipal Council (MPSepang), Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain, stated that the field would be handed over to the council. Former PTA chairman Datuk V. Gunalan revealed plans to reduce the size of the field before handing it over, possibly due to a planned commercial development on one section of the field. The residents oppose any development as it would lead to the loss of the field and increase the risk of flooding in the village, which is surrounded by higher ground developments.
Gunalan stressed that if the field is given to the school, it would be preserved in its current state. Chinnakutty Perumal, the chairman of SJK (T) Ladang Ampar Tenang’s PTA, added that the school would not limit access to the field for school use only; outsiders would also be allowed to utilize the facility. V. Papparaidu, the chairman of the Selangor human resources and poverty eradication committee, visited the site on August 25. He stated that he would need to gather more information from the local authorities before making any comments. Papparaidu acknowledged the drainage problems in the village caused by surrounding developments and expressed intent to hold a meeting with all stakeholders to address both the field and drainage issues.
The village and field are situated near Serenia City, a developing township owned by Sime Darby Property. According to a spokesperson for Serenia City, 0.51 hectares of land have already been surrendered to MPSepang for public and school use. The spokesperson emphasized that their actions have always been in accordance with the approvals obtained from relevant authorities and in compliance with rules and regulations. They also asserted that they have closely coordinated with local authorities and followed due process to meet the needs of the community.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
