Taman Persekutuan Bukit Kiara: Why We Must Rethink a RM40 Million Development Plan

By Saleh Mohammed

Development is often equated with progress. Roads, buildings, parks, and offices stand as visible testaments of growth. But when that development comes at the expense of the environment, and of the public’s trust, it becomes necessary to pause, reflect, and ask: What are we truly building towards?

That question stood at the centre of a recent town hall held in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), Kuala Lumpur, where concerned residents gathered to discuss the proposed RM40 million office complex of the Jabatan Landskap Negara (JLN) within Taman Persekutuan Bukit Kiara (TPBK), one of the last remaining green lungs of the city.

The proposal has triggered alarm bells not only among nearby residents but also among urban planners, environmentalists, and economists alike. With Malaysia still facing fiscal constraints and a growing environmental crisis, this project and the way it’s being managed, serves as a case study in how not to go about public development in a fragile ecological setting.

What’s at Stake

The proposed construction, touted as a means to better serve the public due to the impracticality of JLN staff travelling from Putrajaya, includes a sprawling list of components: a new administrative building, herbarium collection centre, arboretum display garden, exhibition space, retail and food outlets, tram and buggy terminal, landscaping works, and expanded parking.

At first glance, this sounds impressive. But scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll find serious questions that must be answered:

• Why duplicate facilities such as a herbarium and arboretum when FRIM (Forest Research Institute Malaysia), only 12 kilometres away — already boasts a century-old herbarium with over 200,000 specimens, seven arboreta, and extensive research facilities?
• Why clear more forest when TPBK has already experienced multiple landslides, and the risk of further environmental degradation looms large?
• Why spend RM40 million when the country is tightening its belt and countless basic amenities even within TPBK itself, remain in disrepair?

The Voice of the People Must Be Heard

During the townhall, residents voiced their fears, eloquently, respectfully, and with a sense of duty towards future generations. They raised concerns about:

• Traffic congestion during and after construction.
• The risk of landslides due to further deforestation.
• The transformation of a natural park into what increasingly looks like a mini urban township.

What should have been a productive dialogue turned tense when a JLN consultant appeared dismissive of public concerns. Segambut MP YB Hannah Yeoh stepped in to mediate.

Still, the incident reflected a deeper issue: public engagement in government development projects often feels performative rather than participatory. Town Halls held at inconvenient times, absent key decision-makers (such as the JLN Director-General), and lacking transparency in cost breakdowns do little to inspire trust.

A Better Way Forward: Sensible, Sustainable, Strategic

There is still time to reconsider. Based on public feedback and common sense, here are 11 recommendations for JLN and KPKT (Ministry of Housing and Local Government), which oversees TPBK:

1. Repair before expanding: The suspension bridge, damaged since 2021, remains closed. Fountains and exercise facilities have failed soon after being upgraded. Fix these first.
2. Drop the non-essentials: Herbarium, arboretum and exhibition centre, already available at FRIM, are costly and redundant.
3. Reduce the project footprint: A modest office, perhaps within existing TPBK infrastructure, could suffice.
4. Make use of technology: In the post-COVID era, remote working and digital monitoring tools can reduce the need for a large physical presence.
5. Consult properly: Town Halls must be held at accessible times and attended by decision-makers.
6. Maintain existing trails: Hikers, cyclists, and walkers depend on regular maintenance for safety and enjoyment.
7. Be transparent about costs: Clearly explain why RM40 million is needed, and how it will be spent.
8. Strengthen maintenance accountability: Past failures in maintenance must be investigated and not repeated.
9. Align with green space targets: Malaysia has yet to meet the goal of 2 hectares of open green space per 1,000 urban dwellers.
10. Evaluate alternatives before clearing land: Land-use planning must prioritize environmental preservation, not urban sprawl.
11. Integrate with broader urban green strategy: TPBK should be a vital node in a larger green network, not a standalone monument.

A Message to the Federal Government

At the macro level, the federal government must take this moment seriously. Amid mounting national debt and economic uncertainty, ministers and ministries cannot afford to operate in silos or chase vanity KPIs. The Finance Ministry should scrutinize such budget requests and weigh the real return on public investment, not just in ringgit, but in public well-being, environmental protection, and long-term urban sustainability.

Let’s not forget, urban parks are not museums of nature, nor are they real estate zones in waiting. They are vital for:

• Physical health and mental wellness.
• Children’s play and family recreation.
• Community interaction and civic pride.
• Biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.

We must move away from the mindset of “build more, spend more, impress more”. The real measure of impact lies in how our actions preserve and improve the quality of life — not just for this generation, but for the next.

We Need a Walk in the Forest, Not a Village in the Park

Development must be meaningful. Landscaping is a sector that contributes to the economy, yes, but priorities must be calibrated. Not everything beautiful needs to be built. Sometimes, the beauty already exists, in the shade of a tree, the calm of a stream, the laughter of children on a trail.

Taman Persekutuan Bukit Kiara is one of those irreplaceable places. It is not just land. It is legacy.

The time has come to ask, not just “Can we build?” but “Should we?”

What say you?

Saleh Mohammed is a civic advocate and writer focusing on urban sustainability, public accountability, and community engagement in policy making.