KUALA LUMPUR: The allocation of natural reserve land around Kampung Bohol for high density residential development has been met with strong opposition by the Kuala Lumpur Residents Action for Sustainable Development Association (KLRA+SD).
In an official letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on July 16, the coalition requested a detailed explanation for the government's decision to repeal and reclassify natural reserve land in Kampung Bohol meant for a flood retention pond, flood buffers and floodplains.
This was after a question-and-answer session between Seputeh member of parliament Teresa Kok and Minister at the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa revealed that the decision is to allow for one third of the land to be developed into high density residential properties.
In May, Kok and Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai raised their objections on the proposed development in Kampung Bohol when the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur Lands and Mines Office called for bids to develop six plots amounting to 10.85 hectares.
KLRA+SD raised the issue of the environmental danger that the development will pose as it will reduce flood mitigation capacity in the event of heavy rainfall.
It also said that severe traffic congestion due to Kampung Bohol's present density and the site's adjacency to the Kesas Highway will expose residents in the area to significant sound and air pollution.
The coalition said this action contradicts the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan (PSKL) 2040.
PSKL 2040, a development guide gazetted on Oct 19, 2023, outlined a priority for lakes and ponds to be retained by keeping it free from structures and promoting recreational activity.
KLRA+SD's letter, supported by sixty-five resident associations throughout the city, stated that 1,275 objections by residents on the issue have been received by the Kuala Lumpur City Council up to July 10.
Other co-signatories of the letter include conservationist groups Friends of Bukit Dinding and Friends of Bukit Kiara, civil society coalition Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia, environmental group Gabungan Darurat Iklim Malaysia, as well UCSI College.
KLRA+SD raised similar concerns in May, but objections against the development of Kampung Bohol's flood reserves have dragged on since 2021.