MPAJ not taking care of Taman Melawati residents

I AM disappointed with Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya (MPAJ), Selangor.

It is not taking care of the welfare of the community, especially in Taman Melawati.

Through MPAJ, Taman Melawati lost an open-space carpark at the entrance of the housing area.

The Ramadan bazaar used to be held there. It is replaced with a corporate centre built by a private developer.

We have also lost our recreational area.

That’s where our youth and budding footballers used to sharpen their skills.

Melawati Mall has taken that spot.

And, in that vicinity is where we have our pasar malam on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

If that is not enough, MPAJ has forbidden food trucks at night at the open-air car park behind the BHP and Caltex petrol stations.

While the government is encouraging entrepreneurship among youth, MPAJ seems to be discouraging it.

During weekends, there is a carboot sale. Where has MPAJ moved the food trucks? To a smaller open car park next to Melawati Mall.

It is in this same spot where the Ramadan bazaar is held. There is no longer any carboot sale.

Can anyone imagine having the pasar malam, Ramadan bazaar and food trucks in the same vicinity? Melawati Mall is not even open yet.

Can you imagine what it will be like when the mall opens? How the traffic will be?

In a 1km radius, we are seeing the construction of a corporate centre, Melawati Mall, Serini condominiums and MM condominiums.

On top of that, MPAJ has decided to build a convention centre for 1,000 people in the vicinity. What we need are recreational areas.

MPAJ is bent on putting up more buildings. And, that’s what worries us.

With the ban on food trucks in the open area behind the BHP and Caltex stations, we are worried that MPAJ may have just approved another development there.

Taman Melawati used to be a serene residential area.

Now it is suffocated with traffic.

There is almost no recreational area left with children forced to play in streets.

When the Residents Security Association proposed fencing and gates, it was rejected.

The residents are looking out for themselves, trying to protect the children and community since MPAJ isn’t taking care of the community.

This attitude is further demonstrated by its disinterest in participating in community forums.

All I can do is plead to MPAJ or the Selangor government to take care of the community. Right now, we feel alone and vulnerable.

MEGAT SHAH RIZAL NOOR IKHSAN, Hulu Kelang, Selangor