Setapak residents oppose kindergarten in their area

 

A banner put up by residents of Lorong Ibu Kota 5, Setapak, opposing the establishment of a kindergarten in the area.

PETALING JAYA: 

Residents of Lorong Ibu Kota 5 in Setapak have opposed the establishment of a kindergarten occupying an intermediate lot unit on their lane.

In a letter to Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) city planning department on Dec 2, the residents said they doubted whether the kindergarten’s management had obtained permission from DBKL to change the building’s use from residential to commercial.

They also said the location of the kindergarten is not suitable as the road is not able to cope with increased traffic, especially during the mornings and afternoons.

In a reply to the residents on Dec 10, the department confirmed that no development order had been issued by DBKL to approve a change in the building use.

A resident, Zahriman Suleiman, 66, told FMT the building was sold in May 2023 after the owner died, and renovation started in October 2023.

Concerned with the renovation works and the promotion of the kindergarten’s opening ceremony on social media and posters, the residents sent another letter dated Dec 17 last year to DBKL urging prompt action against the kindergarten.

Replying to the residents on Dec 26, the DBKL building control department said a temporary permit for minor renovation work had been granted for a period from Oct 23 last year to Jan 21 this year, although the permit is only for renovating a residence.

DBKL said it had also ordered the removal of a banner publicising the kindergarten’s Dec 22 opening ceremony, stating that any change in the use of the building can only be approved with the granting of planning permission.

Residents of Lorong Ibu Kota 5, Setapak, said a planned kindergarten in the area will cause congestion as the road leading up to it is not able to cope with increased traffic.

Zahriman also said no formal consultation has been held with the residents regarding the kindergarten’s establishment, despite DBKL guidelines stating that the majority of adjacent lot owners must not object to a kindergarten being set up in an area.

“It is audacious of the company to hold an opening ceremony, advertise its activities, and call for student registration when its validity as a kindergarten can be called into question.

“So far, it looks like we have won the battle. The kindergarten was supposed to start operations today (Thursday), but there was no activity,” he said, adding that the residents will be following the situation closely.

Zahriman said a representative from the kindergarten’s management met him on Dec 21 to assure him that traffic in the area will be well-managed.

“However, I told him that no matter how it is managed, the road will still be inundated with traffic. We just want peace and quiet in our neighbourhood, which is something we have been used to for 40 to 50 years,” he said.

The residents have lodged two police reports against the kindergarten and have appointed a lawyer to advise them.

FMT reached out to the kindergarten’s management for comment but received no response. - FMT