Developer: No encroachment on park

Yayasan Wilayah Persekutuan has defended the controversial high-rise development on the Taman Bukit Kiara land, reiterating that it would not encroach on the public park.

Its chief executive officer, Zaizalnizam Zainun, said the border of the development stopped right in front of the park’s entrance gates.

Speaking at Taman Rimba Kiara here yesterday, Zaizalnizam said they were awaiting the approval of the development order (DO) by the cabinet before construction could start.

“Because we scaled down the project, we had to resubmit our plan and we are still waiting for the cabinet’s approval of the DO.”

He said the project was to fulfil promises made by the previous government to provide permanent housing to the Bukit Kiara longhouse settlers, adding that the settlers would not be placed at low-cost housing or flats, but at affordable housing units to be built at the same area.

“The first-generation settlers would be getting a house for free, while the secondgeneration settlers would be getting the house at only 50 per cent of the market price, which is RM150,000.

“We have promised them that they would not be relocated so they will continue living here,” he said.

Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) residents have expressed fear that the development would encroach upon Taman Rimba Kiara, a 6.9ha public park.

TTDI Residents’ Association (TTDI RA) chairman Abdul Hafiz Abu Bakar said although the development would not encroach upon park land, the development would still affect the park.

“Once they chop down the trees and dig up the place, damage will be done.

“This is a public park, where people come for recreation, exercise, events and even weddings. Where else can you find something like this within the next few kilometres in Kuala Lumpur?”

He added that the TTDI RA had no animosity towards the longhouse settlers, and that their fight to prevent the development was nothing personal.

“We have told them that it is the government’s responsibility to give housing, not use it as an excuse for some developers to make mega profits.

“Even if the cabinet approves the DO, they cannot do anything before the court ruling (on the appeal for judicial review),” said Hafiz.

The residents had appealed for a judicial review of the project, with the court hearing set for Sept 10.