TTDI residents hail ‘major court victory’ in fight to save public park

 

Residents and supporters during a protest against the proposed development of Taman Rimba Kiara at Taman Tun Dr Ismail. (Facebook pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: Taman Tun Dr Ismail residents, who have been battling the government and city hall (DBKL) over a development project at a park, today welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision that ruled in their favour.

The Save Taman Rimba Kiara Working Group said the decision was a major victory for them and neighbouring communities “which had been relentless and unwavering in the fight and commitment to preserve Taman Rimba Kiara”.

“This long and difficult struggle has been made possible because of our collective unity, perseverance and commitment to protect our green space against the might of commercial interests, coupled with the staunch support of our Segambut MP, Hannah Yeoh,” they said in a statement.

The residents said they will continue to seek a fair resolution to permanent housing for longhouse residents living within the compound of Taman Rimba Kiara.

“They are our neighbours and partners in the TTDI community and we will stand by them.

“Let us work together to deliver affordable, low-density and permanent housing to the longhouse residents within the existing four acres of the Rumah Panjang and leave Taman Rimba Kiara to be the wonderful public park that it already is,” they said.

Earlier today, the appeals court allowed the TTDI residents’ appeal against a lower court decision to quash the government’s decision to develop the public park.

Judge Mary Lim, who sat with fellow judges Has Zanah Mehat and M Nantha Balan, ruled that there was a need for appellate intervention in the case.

The residents had sought a judicial review against the proposed development, consisting of a 29-storey apartment block with 350 units of affordable housing, and eight blocks of serviced apartments, with a total of eight storeys for parking.

The project was to be undertaken by property developer Malton Bhd, through its subsidiary Memang Perkasa Sdn Bhd, and Yayasan Wilayah Persekutuan, a foundation chaired by the federal territories minister. - FMT