Resident associations (RA), social workers and a politician have objected to Klang Municipal Council’s (MPK) proposed plan to turn a 0.95ha field in Taman Berkeley into an open-air carpark and a futsal court as it will impact the well-being of residents.
Taman Daya Meru RA chairman Mohammad Daud Saidin, 65, said the council must halt any plan to build on a green space.
“Our association is concerned that planned green spaces that are important to the social well-being of residents and which contribute to their physical and mental health would be no more,” he said, adding that people often enjoyed sitting on the benches simply to de-stress.
Daud said green spaces like the Berkeley field also serve children well as they can socialise, run around, cycle and play football.
“Our fields are accessible to everyone. They encourage social interaction among people of all races within the neighbourhood and this is important.
“Green spaces are one of the sustainable indicators for maintaining overall well-being in residential communities,” he pointed out.
On Aug 20, StarMetro reported on residents’ concerns about MPK’s proposed plan.
Established in 1971, Taman Berkeley is one of the earliest housing estates in Klang and has grown into a township over the years.
While officially known as Padang MPK, it is more commonly referred to as the Berkeley field. Precinct 3A Bandar Parklands RA chairman Kuldip Singh Lahl, 41, said the association supports Taman Berkeley residents in wanting to keep the field there intact for recreational activities.
“From observation, the commercial area of Taman Berkeley does have a shortage of parking bays during peak hours.
“But that is in the afternoon from noon to 2.15pm.
“I think a better solution is to have parking bays at the back lane of shoplots from noon to 3pm,” he said
Kuldip added that this was not the time to take away a valuable green space from the community.
People’s Voice Action Group social worker Peter Tan, 60, said MPK’s Low Carbon Framework 2027 has a section that ensures protection of green spaces, so now was the time for the council to translate those words into action.
“MPK’s approach in sending out a questionnaire to obtain approval for the development is wrong.
“I noticed that the questionnaire wrongly states Taman Eng Ann and not Taman Berkeley, where the project is proposed.
“So the entire questionnaire is defective. We want the exercise scrapped and the field preserved,” he said.
Klang Consumer Association president Devadass Anjan also stressed the importance of green spaces in residential areas, which act as buffers between the built environment.
“Our association’s concerns are that a green field — which helps regulate temperature and absorbs water during a downpour — is being targeted for development.
“People in Taman Berkeley are also worried that the project is just the first step in accelerated high- density development in the area,” he added.
Devadass called upon residents, who number around 900, to protest against the council’s short-sightedness in proposing such a development.
“MPK’s Planning Department is doing enormous damage.
“It is not just Taman Berkeley residents who will lose out; the whole of Klang town will lose out,” he said
He further warned that the project would set a dangerous precedent.
Selangor MCA Youth deputy chairman Datuk BK Tan said most residents in the area realised the need to protect green spaces to reduce the risk of flash floods and offset any rise in temperature.
“We must ask the true cost of removing the green space for parking and convenience.
“Most people who live in Taman Berkeley want to know what is the great urgency in building a car park and futsal court.
“And whether this is the kind of sustainable urban vision the people want.”
Tan said it was comforting to see that RAs from other areas were willing to speak up for Taman Berkeley to protect its green space, and urged MPK to put the people’s interest first and scrap the proposed plan.
Reference Links -
[1] The Star
[2] The Star