“If they are going to have an elevated highway cutting through Section 13, it will defeat the goal of sustainability and high quality living in Section 13,” he added. While development cannot be avoided in city planning, it must be sustainable and include more engagement with the community, said Sheikh Moqhtar. “A lot of people are unaware of what is in store for PJ the new elevated highway issue is just one example, it evokes mixed emotions within the community,” he said. “When it comes to big development, the dynamics should be more consultative. Sheikh Moqhtar said not many laymen would understand the technical draft plan, adding that Petaling Jaya has many senior citizens. “This is critical now, so residents won’t be caught off-guard when development starts,” he told StarMetro. “When it comes to development, the local authorities and assemblymen must engage with the residents and be more proactive. “Will it encourage more traffic into this area? If yes, then there should be some height restriction and more defined plot ratio,” he said, hoping for a clearer explanation of the matter before MBPJ’s public hearing. “It is a good idea, but I am more concerned about the linear park and the density of development that will come into the area. Petaling Jaya Action Committee president Sheikh Moqhtar Kadir lauded the idea of the elevated bridge to increase connectivity to Section 13. Though great on paper, some activists are concerned about congestion in the area. The end result of the Section 13 Special Area Draft Plan is to turn the area into a walkable central business district, according to Rajiv.Īmong the plans for Section 13 are an elevated bridge from Jalan Prof Khoo Kay Kim (formerly Jalan Semangat) to the Section 52 central business district, green connectors for walkability and a linear park over an existing monsoon drain. “So far, those who saw the display have not protested or made any objections,” said Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran when met at the MBPJ lobby with city council assistant town planner Wan Ahmad Aszuandi Che Ahmad. Since then, there has not been much progress, as the draft plan was not available for public viewing, until now. On March 14, 2020, just days before Malaysia went into lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic, StarMetro published a report titled “Plans afoot for a livelier Section 13” highlighting the area redevelopment that included a linear park, an elevated bridge and pedestrian-friendly streets. Since April 28, a number of signboards have been placed around the city informing the public that they can visit MBPJ to inspect, view and offer feedback in writing to the mayor about the draft plan before May 29. To say that the display is informative would be an understatement because there is a lot from the Petaling Jaya Section 13 Special Area Draft Plan (First Amendment) to digest. Yes, it is the “d” word that often brings feelings of anxiety and trepidation to citizens in this bustling city of almost 620,000 people. AT ONE corner of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) headquarters lobby in Jalan Yong Shook Lin, a colourful display with an interactive screen presents a story of impending development.
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