Puzzled over land use

Source: http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Community/2014/06/28/Puzzled-over-land-use-Residents-question-why-food-court-is-being-built-on-government-land/ (BY SHALINI RAVINDRAN, 28/6/2014)

RESIDENTS and business owners in Bandar Menjalara are questioning Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) on why government land meant for public facilities is now being used to develop a food court.

Out of the three parcels of land located along Jalan 7A/62A, business owners noticed that one plot is now sporting a banner calling for tenants for the future food court.

The owners also said that earthworks at the plot of land started more than three weeks ago, although no notice board has been put up to indicate any development.

Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng said DBKL had in January 2013 took out an advertisement in a local newspaper, an application for planning permission for the development of one block of single-storey food court on Lot PT 25746 in Jalan 7A/62A, Bandar Menjalara.

“The notice said that it would also involve the temporary change of use of land from ‘public facilities’ to commercial.

“When we found out, we immediately sent an objection later including a petition signed by the business owners here to DBKL.

“We did not receive any feedback and there was no subsequent development of the land,” Lim said.

“In May, we paid a visit to DBKL’s Planning Department and met with an officer who informed us that no application for development of the land had been approved or granted to any party.

“So, how can there suddenly be construction work starting less than a month later,” Lim questioned.

He added that the three plots of land were meant to be utilised as a clinic, post office and police station.

A restaurant owner in Bandar Menjalara Foo Yik Cheong said there was no need for a food court in the area.

“This area is known as a food haven and there is no point in having a food court here.

“Also, should the project go ahead, this could jeopardise our livelihood,” he said.

Another business owner, Tomy Yong said a food court here would only compound traffic and parking woes.

“There are already limited parking spots and traffic is always jammed up.

“A food court will only make things worse,” he pointed out.

He stressed that a police station should be built instead because the area had a high crime rate.

Although a recent check showed that construction had halted, the hoardings and banners still remained.

Meanwhile, Lim said he would bring the matter up with Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.