KL MPs object to proposed development at Kg Bohol flood retention pond area

THE Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali will be asked to clarify matters on the proposed redevelopment of the Kampung Bohol flood retention pond.

Seputeh MP Teresa Kok said as Mohd Zuki was the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Land Executive Committee (JKTWPKL) chairman, she would want to know why there was a need to alienate flood retention pond land in an area that was already a flood hotspot.

“As the MP here, I was not consulted. I have no information about this project,” Kok said, adding that she and her counterparts in Kuala Lumpur had repeatedly requested to be kept in the loop on such matters.

According to officials, the JKTWPKL plays a crucial role in managing land-related issues within the Federal Territories, including overseeing the administration and management of land allocation, land use planning and ensuring the proper execution of land policies.

JKTWPKL also ensures projects comply with local regulations, align with urban planning objectives and contribute positively to the community and environment.

Kok, however, stressed that JKTWPKL must also protect public interests.

“It must ensure land development and management practices are conducted in a manner that protects public interests, including considerations for environmental sustainability and community needs,’’ she said.

Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai also questioned if the Prime Minister was aware of the matter.

StarMetro article on April 29, 2024

“There is a government pledge that there would be no more development on green lungs and flood retention ponds unless it’s a green initiative,” Tan said.

“Since the KSN chairs the committee, I am curious to know why they approve a project on flood-prone land.

“If there is a justification, such as they have found a good developer who can mitigate the flooding in the area, then we want to know,” he added.

The MPs were responding to StarMetro’s front page report recently titled “Flood fears rise anew” which highlighted the city’s second largest flood retention pond once again under threat as new development plans emerged for the area.

ALSO READ: Bohol pond in peril again with new development plan

This comes nearly a year after the Federal Government stopped a similar proposal by the previous administration to allocate the land to a private developer.

Concerns have resurfaced following a recent tender notice by the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur Lands and Mines Office (PTGWP), which called for bids to design and upgrade the 63.45ha Bohol flood retention pond in Seputeh for alienation under Section 76 of the National Land Code (Act 828).

PTGWP published the tender notice on its website, inviting companies to submit bids for the project to facilitate the construction of a massive housing project. Six plots of land totalling 10.85ha are being alienated on Lot 102996 for a development project.

Kuala Lumpur Residents Action for Sustainable Development Association (KLRA+SD) voiced its disagreement and disappointment over the proposed development.

“The residents have raised concerns many times about the high frequency of flash floods and loss of greenery in Kuala Lumpur.

“Development on any rainwater retention pond would only worsen the drainage and flash floods issue,” said KLRA+SD chairman Tan Booi Charn.

“This act also clashes with the policy stated in the recently gazetted Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040, where all existing water retention ponds in Kuala Lumpur will be properly gazetted and remain untouched,’’ he said.

He urged the authorities, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), and the Drainage and Irrigation Department to act wisely.

“Do not allow any development at rainwater retention ponds in Kuala Lumpur.

“Please prioritise the safety and well-being of the existing residents who are also ratepayers for the city. Please adhere strictly to the policy that has been set and gazetted,’’ he added.