50% less units in scaled down development for TRK

KUALA LUMPUR (April 23): The proposed development in Taman Rimba Kiara, Kuala Lumpur will see a 50% less units compared to the original plan.

According to a report by The Star, the new plan will have a 17-storey block of 204 affordable homes for the Bukit Kiara longhouse residents, and four blocks of 41- to 45-storey condominiums housing 1,082 units.

Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad (pictured) told The Star in an interview that the Cabinet papers for the “scaled-down” development are being prepared.

“Once completed, it will be passed to all the other ministries for comments and then we will table it to the Cabinet.

“My stand in general is in line with the Cabinet’s instruction, which is to honour the promises made to the longhouse residents and renegotiate in order to get the best terms.

“We cannot simply cancel contracts as it will create a loss of investor confidence unless it is a mutual thing.

“If not, then it is better to renegotiate the terms again,” he said.

Reports also said that the project developer, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Pertubuhan Penduduk Perumahan Awam Bukit Kiara have agreed with the new plan.

“Instead of eight blocks (condominium), I have reduced it to four while the proposed project now sits on 3.2ha instead of 4.85ha.

“The developer had to take a cut in profits but it is going to provide housing for the 100 Bukit Kiara longhouse families who had earlier signed the agreement,” he said.

“The development will not encroach into the park and more people frequent Taman Persekutuan, not Taman Rimba Kiara, which is smaller in size.

“There has been misrepresentation that the whole park would be destroyed but this is not true and people exaggerated the consequences of such a move,” Khalid explained to the daily.

“Actually, DBKL and I should make the decision regarding the project and not the Cabinet. However, with a lot of politicking taking place, it is better to let the Cabinet decide.

“Hopefully, people will be more open to the decision made by the Cabinet. If not, then Segambut MP [Hannah Yeoh] and I will be blamed.

“I am trying to please everyone which I know, in the end, I won’t be able to but at least people cannot say I just ignore them.

“If people say there is corruption or foul play, prove it (to me),” he added.