‘PM should intervene in planned Bangsar skyscrapers’

SAVE Kuala Lumpur (SKL) coalition chairman Datuk M. Ali (pic) is calling on the Prime Minister to intervene in the Jalan Bukit Pantai project.

Commenting on the proposed 70-storey towers mixed development project in Bangsar, Ali said it was not an isolated situation.

“We have gone through this many times; why was there no prior engagement?

“We only know by hearsay.

“This is despite the fact that the draft Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (KLLP2040) is at its publicity stage.”

Ali said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should intervene in all ill-conceived plans for development in the country’s capital.

“He should put a freeze on all plots alienated earlier, including flood retention ponds. There should be no development there.

“If they still want to push through because of legal reasons, put rigid conditions that the developers cannot breach.”

Ali questioned why the developer had not gone through the process of engaging with residents before making the development plans.

“Make an announcement and we can react.

“It looks like Kuala Lumpur is not for all; only for developers,” he added.

ALSO READ: Mounting worries over Jln Bukit Pantai project

Ali said SKL would be conducting workshops on KLLP2040.

The first will be held at Gujarati Association Hall, No.38, Lorong Maarof in Bangsar at 2.30pm on March 16, the second at DBKL Branch Office on Changkat Abang Haji Openg in Bukit Kiara at 10am on March 17, and virtually via Zoom on March 20 at 8.30pm. (Meeting ID: 818 5181 8879, Passcode: 842760).

According to Ali, the training will give people a broad understanding of the plan and recognise zoning and intensity maps for their neighbourhood.

“They will get a better understanding of what is being planned for their area, and be better informed about the development of our city,” he added.

ALSO READ: KL Local Plan 2040 draft open for feedback starting Jan 31

In a statement, Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh said the feedback period for the draft KLLP2040 had been extended to April 1, from March 1 previously.

He said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) had made several efforts to organise exhibitions on KLLP2040, including roadshows, at several shopping centres as well as TTDI and Lembah Pantai libraries.

“DBKL also held 13 briefing sessions at Menara DBKL 1, which was attended by 250 people including representatives from residents associations, academics, professional bodies, non-governmental organisations and Kuala Lumpur MPs.

“Taking into account the complexity of KLLP2040, the feedback session has been extended to April 1,” said the mayor.

The documents can be viewed at Menara DBKL 1 and 3.