Bungalows turns out to be hilltop condo project

The residents in Jalan Tempua were made to believe that project was only for some bungalows and not for a 33-storey condominium project.

PETALING JAYA: The residents of Jalan Tempua in Puchong were made to believe that the construction on a hill top was for a bungalow project . But a short while later they discovered that it was for a 33-storey condominium project.

Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo said that a stop work order was issued two weeks ago to the developers, but work still continues.

Gobind said that last year a signboard was placed informing residents of a bungalow project. However, not long after, the signboard was removed, stating it was for a condominium project instead.

“Initially bungalows were proposed to be built but instead, five blocks of 1,042 units of condominiums were approved.

“The residents were not notified prior to this change and those living around the area are worried,” he said when he visited the site today.

Gobind said that an explanation is required as to how a project of this scale and located on top of a hill, at that, can be permitted.

“We object to this hilltop development project, furthermore as it has a landslide history back in 2006. The condominiums will be built near the residents’ houses which are located at the foot of the hill.

“The hill is not stable and safe for any kind of construction work to be done. Although a landslide had once occurred, the Public Works Institute of Malaysia (IKRAM) did not even know that there was once a landslide incident in the area and even said that the place is safe for construction works,” said Gobind.

Gobind added that due to the prior landslide, the residents are concerned that work on the hill will cause another landslide to happen.

“I’ve written a letter to the Menteri Besar [Abdul Khalid Ibrahim], and he has since ordered for the state government to conduct a research to review the safety with regards to the hilltop development.

“IKRAM should have conducted a thorough research on the development project in the first place. Instead, it has failed to do so,” Gobind said.

Gobind mentioned that he understands the residents’ fears as this is not a petty issue because “it is definitely not baseless because there will be repercussions if something is not done swiftly.”

“I truly understand the dissatisfaction of the residents, I don’t think I can accept it if a catastrophe were to happen. I cannot imagine the injury and destruction that may occur if the project continues.

“We really hope that the state government will be resolute to ensure that the condition here is safe. If things are determined not to be safe then all work should be stopped,” he said.

“When looking at the Highland Towers and Setiawangsa landslides, everyone said everything was okay initially, that is why those projects were approved. But evidently, everything was not okay, was it?” asked Gobind.