Ampang Jaya residents obtain leave to challenge 2035 local plan

 The decision marks a significant step forward for local community rights.

Tolak RT2035 claims that the local plan, gazetted on Feb 6, 2025, contained fundamental flaws and unpublicised land use conversions. (Facebook pic)

KUALA LUMPUR:

The High Court’s decision to grant leave to 12 Ampang Jaya residents to initiate judicial review proceedings challenging the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council Local Plan 2035 (RT MPAJ 2035) marks a significant step forward for local community rights, a residents’ action group said.

Tolak RT2035 claimed that the local plan, gazetted on Feb 6, 2025, contained fundamental flaws and unpublicised land use conversions.

It also claimed that the local plan did not incorporate the objections raised during the 2022 public objection hearing.

The group said the court allowed the leave application, filed in May last year, after finding that the challenge raised arguable questions of law and fact warranting a full judicial hearing.

“We believe that the local plan currently permits high-intensity developments in environmentally sensitive areas on hilltops or hill slopes and established disaster-risk zones.

“Unsustainable developments threaten terrain stability, escalate risks of severe landslides and flash flooding, and destroy the remaining natural environment,” it said in a statement.

Tolak RT2035 identified Bukit Antarabangsa, Taman Hillview, Ukay Perdana, Taman Melawati, Kemensah and Taman Ukay Heights among high-risk zones facing pressure from proposed intensive and mega developments.

According to the statement, leaving the plan unchallenged would erode the public’s statutory right to object to future projects under the Town and Country Planning Act 1976.

The hearing for the substantive judicial review application has been set for Nov 25. - FMT