KPKT – Why Proceed With The Taman Persekutuan Project…

The ink is barely dry (“KPKT – Assurance and The Learning Curve” – malay.today, 17/4/26) and I have to write about KPKT again. I have also earlier written on this topic, “Taman Persekutuan Bukit Kiara: Why We Must Rethink a RM40 Million Development Plan” – malay.today, 22/7/25).

There is an immediate stop-work order on a project at Taman Persekutuan, Bukit Kiara following a mud flood that triggered the collapse of a retaining wall at Taman Tun Dr Ismail in KL. The park is under the management of the National Landscape Department (JLN), under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT).

The project involves the construction of park facilities, including an administrative office, arboterum, parking area, public toilets, a visitor centre and a retaining wall to mitigate the risk of landslides. The RM40 million project was approved under the 2018 Budget. However, work was delayed due to complications in the contractor appointment process. The last briefing and engagement for this project was held on 6^th December 2022.

In July 2025, ‘Friends of Bukit Kiara’ issued a statement, “Tree Clearing Works at Bukit Kiara Federal Park”, raising concerns about usage of green space. At an engagement session, also in July 2025, JLN promised to replant more trees and shrubs to replace the trees that have been felled. The deputy director-general (development) said the administrative building project was necessary for physical presence to better protect (conservation and security) the 188.9ha recreational park. He added that the project had complied with both the Social Impact Assessment and Environment Impact Assessment requirements.

Residents were upset by the unannounced felling of trees near their homes and concerns about potential soil erosion but a JKR representative affirmed that they had adhered to all permit requirements to commence the land clearing.

Now, less than a year later, its either the conditions in the permit was not stringent enough or non-adherence to it.

There was also a petition signed by more than 5,000 people to stop the project that is implemented by the Public Works Department.

The Segambut MP called for an emergency meeting on 19^th April for all parties to reassess mitigation plans and all slope works around Bukit Kiara.

What happened to good governance with all the shortcomings. Was there proper planning and proper supervision during project execution? Steep hillside was exposed with nothing to absorb rainfall and extra drainage system was conveniently forgotten.

It never fails to amaze me hearing government departments wanting to reassess mitigation plans especially for a landscape department, whose mandate is to preserve our green heritage, have heard concerns of soil erosion from nearby residents and assuring adherence to all permit and environmental requirements.

DBKL is now considering introducing stricter guidelines for development works on slopes to better safeguard those living near hillsides. The Mayor said DBKL would consult relevant technical agencies before finalising the proposal.

I would suggest DBKL to revisit KLSP 2020 where there was a requirement for a geo-technical study to be carried out for all hillside developments. There may be a need too to also revisit the National Slope Master Plan 2009-2023 and to amend the Road, Drainage and Building Act 1974 to create stricter enforcement against hazardous hillside development. Not forgetting, the “Planning Guidelines for the Control of Hillside Developments in WPKL” – 18/6/2020.

The Works Minister said, preliminary observations indicated that the high volume of water due to heavy rainfall led to an overflow that breached the bund and JKR had been instructed to assess the site’s structural integrity and propose mitigation measures.

Sorry Mr Minister, let’s not blame nature as all these should have been considered before work starts and I am sure the consultants would have highlighted it since it is too close to a residential area. I would suggest, without compromise, appropriate actions to be taken if there is negligence after the detailed technical investigation is completed.

Assurance that incidents like this do not happen again must be followed with accountability.

There is also a lake upgrading project costing RM6.6 million at the same park which began in mid-2024, estimated to take 18 months but still work-in-progress. Initial plan was for a full park closure but after stakeholder feedback, partial closure implemented to minimise public disruption.

Meanwhile, I would strongly urge DBKL to cancel a proposed development to build two 30-storey condominiums near the park. A townhall meeting held more than a week ago raised various concerns and increasing buffer zones is not the solution to prevent floods and mud floods.

Designers, planners, and developers as well as the landscape department should not look at higher profits only but think about sustainability and comfort for city dwellers.

JLN could have used the project to serve as a model of what it would be like for KL to be built with a focus on people and for neighbourhoods to flourish. Clearing six acres of forested land for roads, parking space and a visitor centre is not one of them.

Authorities should practice effective listening skills and to take appropriate actions on concerns raised by stakeholders.

Why JLN wants to duplicate facilities such as an 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 the park has already experienced multiple landslides?

Why spend RM40 million when the country is tightening its belt and countless basic amenities even within park itself, remain in disrepair?

What say you…

 

Saleh Mohammed