The Battle for Ampang Jaya's Environment: A Tale of Development vs. Nature
In the heart of Selangor, Ampang Jaya finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with the delicate balance between progress and preservation. Overdevelopment and environmental concerns have become the rallying cries for residents and stakeholders, sparking a movement to protect their beloved municipality.
Development Concerns: A Landslide of Fear
Fears of landslides and floods have gripped the community, especially with the land clearing incident in Taman Sering Ukay near Bukit Antarabangsa. Residents, alarmed by the potential risks, took their concerns to elected representatives and the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ).
The issue came to light in a StarMetro report, shedding light on the community's suspicions of a development plan. MPAJ clarified that the works were aimed at slope stabilisation, a process that involves reclassifying slopes from Class 3 and 4 to Class 2 through cutting and stabilisation techniques.
But here's where it gets controversial: MPAJ assured that there was no development plan, yet residents remained skeptical. The council explained that the works adhered to Public Works Department (JKR) guidelines, but the community's worries persisted.
Zoning Battles: Zoo Negara's Land Rezoning
In October, MPAJ found itself in the spotlight again, this time over reports claiming that land around Zoo Negara had been rezoned from recreational to commercial use. It was alleged that two plots had been sold to a private company, raising concerns among civil society groups.
The issue gained traction when these groups highlighted a discrepancy between the draft MPAJ Local Plan 2035 and the gazetted plan. MPAJ deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari addressed the concern, stating that the local plan must be read as a whole, comprising three volumes.
He clarified that no changes had been made to the zoning type of the plots around Zoo Negara, either before or after the plan was gazetted. Hasrolnizam further explained that the plots were privately owned by the Malaysian Zoological Society, allowing for unrestricted sale.
However, he emphasized that any development on the land would still need to comply with zoning regulations in the local plan. MPAJ had not received any development applications for the area to date, ensuring that the process would be transparent and regulated.
Proactive Measures: Preventing Disasters
Following a major landslide in Taman Melawati and a rockfall incident in Taman Bukit Permai, MPAJ took a proactive approach. The local council integrated advanced technology, such as Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) mapping, with regular on-ground inspections to prevent similar disasters.
The council actively monitors over 370 vulnerable sites, aiming to prevent disasters through a combination of technology, planning, and consistent field monitoring. Hasrolnizam emphasized that MPAJ's approach prioritizes long-term prevention over reactive measures.
LiDAR mapping, introduced in 2009, allows MPAJ to categorize slopes into three risk levels, enabling targeted interventions. Repair and stabilization works have been ongoing since 2010, particularly on government land. For private properties, notices and advisories are issued to ensure slope maintenance meets safety standards.
Riverside Regulation: Taming the Commercialization Tide
StarMetro's reports in June highlighted the increasing commercialization along Sungai Kemensah in Hulu Kelang. Food operators, chalets, and other businesses were operating close to or within the river, raising concerns among experts and environmentalists.
Unregulated activities in hilly terrain could introduce new risks to the delicate environment, altering water flow, accelerating riverbank erosion, and increasing flood risks. MPAJ acknowledged that none of the 70 businesses operating in Kampung Kemensah were licensed, but it has a long-term plan to regulate and legalize these businesses.
The council aims to complete a draft guideline by mid-2026 to regulate riverside recreational and commercial activities as part of its effort to formalize management within the Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark (GHLGp). Guidelines will outline clear rules for activities near river reserves in areas like Kampung Kemensah, Taman Melawati, and Klang Gates, ensuring environmental protection, safety standards, and permissible business operations.
The Highland Towers Dilemma: Still Standing
Despite multiple attempts, the issue of demolishing the remaining blocks of Highland Towers remains unresolved. MPAJ's latest bid to obtain approval from the Ampang Magistrate's Court was unsuccessful, and the local council must now seek a High Court order to proceed.
The landowner, Highland Properties Sdn Bhd, has been wound up, adding complexity to the process. In the meantime, MPAJ has addressed complaints from nearby residents by clearing overgrown vegetation at the site.
The Highland Towers tragedy, which occurred in 1993, resulted in 48 fatalities and the evacuation of the remaining towers for safety reasons. The area has since been abandoned, leaving a haunting reminder of the need for strict regulations and disaster prevention.
Focus on Petty Traders: Streamlining and Regulation
MPAJ took a proactive approach this year to identify and register small traders, addressing concerns over the growing number of roadside and temporary setups. The initiative aimed to streamline trader registration, regulate informal business activity, and strengthen coordination within the micro-enterprise sector.
The exercise resulted in 3,500 hawkers receiving temporary licenses, with some roadside traders relocated to MyKiosk units. MPAJ attributed the rising cost of living and increasing demand for small business and hawker activities as key factors driving traders outside designated areas.
The local council emphasized the importance of enforcement for operators who fail to meet basic hygiene, cleanliness, or safety standards. Beyond issuing compounds under existing bylaws, MPAJ also issued compliance notices and license cancellation notices to non-compliant traders.
MPAJ continues to engage with traders through annual briefings on licensing and micro-entrepreneurship, supported by regular updates from enforcement and field officers.
And this is the part most people miss: the delicate dance between development and environmental preservation. As Ampang Jaya navigates these challenges, the community's voice remains crucial in shaping a sustainable future. What are your thoughts on this complex issue? Feel free to share your opinions and engage in a constructive discussion in the comments below!
