SHAH ALAM - The Bukit Rahman Putra residents are urging Majlis Perbandaran Selayang (MPS) to stop alternative access road works on Padang Bukit Rahman Putra (Padang BRP).
Residents representative Prof Rokiah Alavi, said they strongly opposed the project and demanded for MPS to have proper long-term planning to solve the traffic issues at Padang BRP, which is located at Jalan BRP 7, considering that massive housing projects have started in the area.
About two weeks ago, the users of Padang BRP noted that the trees had been painted red and that there were indications that development was about to begin.
Residents of BRP 7 and the neighbouring areas swiftly formed the Save Padang Group after realising the possible substantial impact of the Phase 2 project on Padang BRP.
The group has sent objection letters were to the state assemblymen, members of Parliament, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, and MPS.
Rokiah elaborated that Padang BRP is crucial for Bukit Rahman Putra residents, and popular among Sungai Buloh people for recreational use.
"The park has jogging trails, workout equipment for individuals of all ages, including children and the elderly, playground equipment, covered basketball courts, a badminton court, a sepak takraw court, and open space," Rokiah said
However, MPS approved for the developer's request to begin the Phase 2 project, disappointing the residents.
This happened despite their letters of protest, concerns raised with MPS, and efforts to have the Padang BRP gazetted.
"In fact, Padang BRP has been recognised by MPS that it is to be used for recreational purposes. Hence, any form of development cannot be allowed on this land except for upgrading works for recreational purposes," Rokiah told Sinar Daily.
Rokiah further explained that the alternative road will not solve the traffic congestion on Jalan BRP 7.
"This road will only cause more congestion and chaos, not only on Jalan BRP 7/1 but also at Jalan BRP 7, 7/2, and 7/3, because there is no proper planning to ensure smooth flow of traffic.
"There are a few bottlenecks in the proposed plan because the connecting road is narrow, the slip road on Jalan BRP 7 is too close to the traffic light and entry point of the alternative road ingress from Jalan 7/1.
Not to forget, the short space for U-turns and turning after entering Jalan BRP 7 and the exit point are at the same area for ingress into Taman BRP 7/3 and the shop lots at Jalan BRP 7/2," she explained.
Rokiah further added that a new access road is required to accommodate the construction of 6,000 new homes and the additional 24,000 residents.
"The developer's suggestion to use the current Jalan BRP 7/1 as an access road is undoubtedly a way for them to save money.
It was claimed that it would be expensive to build a bridge over the railway track in order to connect a new access road to Matang Pagar, which would create a circular flow of traffic and be a better option for connecting to the federal roads and highways.
"This project will cause vehicles to pass through too close to the Padang BRP. The smoke emitted from vehicles is unhealthy for Padang BRP users.
"The Padang BRP has beautiful and shady trees that were planted 26 years ago. The alternative road will require at least 80 large, shady trees to be chopped down.
"This is environmentally unfriendly and would have serious repercussions on the quality of air, health, and well-being, especially for the Padang users, and the residents in this area in general," she stressed.