Letter to Editor
RESIDENTS of Tropicana Indah Resorts Home PJU 3 have vehemently objected to the proposal to re-develop the existing Kelab Golf Seri Selangor clubhouse from its current location to a new two-storey club house, to be located immediately next to the PJU3/11 and PJU3/12 residential homes.
The proposed development is initiated by the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS).
The residents raised the objections upon receiving a notice of consent from the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) during the Chinese New Year festive season towards end-January 2023. Subsequently, the various PJU 3 and Tropicana Residents Association representatives met with MBPJ and PKNS on Feb 16.
Below are key reasons listed by the residents for their opposition:
- Safety risks and worsening traffic jams that may block emergency passages
One of the major concerns raised by the residents is safety risks from the location. The proposed project site is situated along Persiaran Damansara Indah heading to Persiaran Surian which is in a sloppy area and has steep bends.
The proposed new clubhouse entrance will conflict severely with the already congested main entrance of PJU 3/12.
The re-location of the club will also result in a severe jam due to the U-turn system entry into the club which would have severe implications during an emergency. For example, the Tropicana tunnel is not suitable for fire engines to pass through during an emergency.
- Over-development and infringement of residents’ rights, health and safety
The residents are extremely upset because the proposed development by PKNS, a government-linked company (GLC), is a breach of promise and an infringement of their rights.
When they purchased their residence, it was based on the existing MBPJ’s approved masterplan with the prescribed plot ratios, clubhouse location and green resort lifestyle. The residents are against the increase in plot ratios that will be detrimental to the well-being of the community.
- Insufficient time provided to residents to make informed decisions on the development
Under the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (TCPA), a 21-day notice has to be given to the residents to provide any objection to any development not part of the masterplan but MBPJ and PKNS failed to provide sufficient time for the residents to make informed decisions.
MBPJ only sent out a seven-day notice to seek consent or objections from residents on Jan 25 during the Chinese New Year festive season when most of the residents were away.
- Waste of resources to renovate the existing clubhouse
The residents are also aware that PKNS spent RM5 mil in 2018 to renovate its existing club house before the proposed development of a new clubhouse.
This would lead to a waste of public resources since the proposed development will result in the demolition of its existing clubhouse which is still new from the renovation.
MBPJ and PKNS need to seriously understand and consider the residents’ objections
The residents have brought their objections against the proposed development and the manner in which MBPJ served the initial notice to the PJU 3 residents. — Feb 25, 2023
PJU 3 Tropicana Indah Resorts Homes Residents’ Association
Petaling Jaya
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.