|
(NST) KUALA LUMPUR: Residents of Bukit Antarabangsa have now conceded that their neighbourhood, once a low density, natural paradise, has become an uncontrolled and overdeveloped death trap.
As more residents abandoned their homes for safer ground on the advice of the authorities following Saturday's landslide, there were some who could not help but feel shortchanged. "Would it take more lives before they finally realise what's going on? Enough is enough," said a long-time resident, who only wanted to be known as Zahari. Zahari, who was among the first to move into the area in 1991, said early occupants were then promised minimal development by developers. The Selangor government also gave assurances that it would keep the area as green as possible. "Outright lies, one housing estate became two, which later mushroomed into dozens." Zahari said Bukit Antarabangsa continued to attract developers as they were aware of the demand from property hunters, many of whom were willing to pay millions for the natural surroundings. "Recently, I was informed that even a tiny site was grabbed by a developer to build 21 double-storey units. With this kind of overdevelopment in sensitive areas like this, how can it cope? Bukit Antarabangsa Residents' Association deputy chairman Raymond Jagathasan said complaints to the authorities fell on deaf ears. "It's always the same. One landslide happens and the government bans hillside development. Six months or a year later, construction of a new condominium or housing estate takes place on even higher ground." Jagathasan said many residents were contemplating selling their homes. "But with the area having a notorious reputation like this, they are more likely to face losses." The pre-dawn landslide on Saturday was the 12th in the Ampang hillside area since 1993.
 |
The Blogs 
