KUALA LUMPUR: The Selangor state government’s plan to construct a convention centre on a plot of land in Taman Melawati here has dashed its residents’ hopes of a public park in their neighbourhood.
Residents have expressed disappointment with the state government and the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ), saying the land was reserved for public amenities.
Taman Melawati Residents’ Association (TMRA) Zone ABC chairman Razman Hakimi Abdullah said residents only found out about the planned construction through a tender notice published in the media recently.
“We only received a written reply from MPAJ on May 18, after we wrote to them to explain plans to build the convention centre. In the letter, it stated that the convention centre is a project by Sime Darby Property, MPAJ and the state government.
“The proposed convention centre, which can hold around 1000 people, will only worsen the traffic congestion caused by the Melawati Mall,” he told reporters here, today.
He said Sime Darby Property had initially planned to build a public park called ‘Melawati Green Centre’.
“We are surprised that the park will be replaced by a convention centre. MPAJ claimed the tender was done as the residents did not object to it, but we have never issued an official statement regarding the project.
“Also, the park will be moved one kilometre away from the residential area, placed beside an apartment. This is too far for elderly citizens who want to exercise. The initial area was just within walking distance.”
Razman said residents have been pleading to the authorities to build the park at the original area as it had many commercial buildings but no recreational parks.
He added that residents have set up an online petition to protest against the construction of the convention centre, and that it will be submitted to Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali’s office, MPAJ and Sime Darby Property.
In July, the New Straits Times’ Actionline team highlighted complaints by Taman Melawati residents over traffic congestion caused by the new Melawati Mall, which restricted the residents’ access to Middle Ring Road 2.
MBAJ responded to the complaint by stating that they were waiting for Sime Darby, the mall’s developer, to decide on its next course of action.