Residents do not want badminton court

Cordoned off: The portion of green space at the children’s playgound in Jalan Sri Bintang 2 in Taman Sri Bukit Bintang, Kepong.

(Story by S. PUSPADEVI & photo by KIMBERLY YEO, 22/10/2012)

Residents of Taman Bukit Sri Bintang in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur are against any construction work that would take away the green space at the children’s playground at Jalan Sri Bintang 2. They noticed a portion of the playground had been cordoned off two weeks ago and attempts to get details from the workers and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) were futile.

“There isn’t any notice or signboard informing the residents about any upgrading work and we want to know what is going to happen as we live in the area. There is only one playgound here and the green space is very limited,” said Angus Ng, who has been living in Taman Sri Bintang for 12 years. He said if the green area was taken away, there would not be enough space for children to play since there is an existing basketball court in the field.

Bukit Sri Bintang Apartment Management Corporation chairman Victor Low said the area that had been cordoned off measures 35ft x 70ft and could be converted into a badminton court. “We do not need a badminton court as the area is windy in the evenings. The elderly and children will be unhappy if this green space is taken away,” said Low urging the City Hall to stop any work on the field.

Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng said he had written to DBKL’s Landscape Department and their reply via email on Oct 2 stated that the work would facilitate the upgrading of the playground. “The residents have the right to know of any upgrading work that will take place in a public area. I believe this new construction is meant for an outdoor badminton court but I don’t understand why DBKL had failed to erect a notice board to inform the public about the project, as even a private land owner is required to put up a notice before any work can be done,” said Lim, hoping that the Kuala Lumpur Mayor will halt the project as majority of residents were against any encroachment on the green field.

Lim said DBKL should provide more parks and playground in area, as it was necessary to promote a green lung in the neighbourhood.