It was a breath of fresh air for me in the morning of Oct 19, with the API reading outside being 164.

Surely you will not believe me and think I am deranged. How about this?

1. Plot ratio increase in Subang Jaya on hold.

2. DBKL calls off skyscraper project to build more affordable housing for the people.

If you do not have the same feeling as me, I think you are the one who is deranged and is not with the ‘government that cares and listen to the rakyat’, as one politician said.

In the first case, the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) decided to put on hold the plot ratio increase for transit-oriented development (TOD) until the Kelana Jaya LRT extension project is completed. The new ratio, increased from 1:4 to 1:8 was an approved guideline by the state planning committee (SPC).

The Subang Jaya and Kinrara assemblypersons wanted a study on traffic congestion and also quoted Singapore as a perfect example as a TOD city that had a 1:2.8 ratio for most residential areas while only the central business district (CBD) had a 1:8 ratio. Any increase must be for the right target group including the poor and those who would use the public transportation and not for luxury developments.

What is needed is a holistic study to assess the impact on the environment, well-being of the populace and of course, traffic volume.

My admiration for MPSJ on their courage and concern for the rakyat even though the increase was approved by the SPC. It is exemplary.

For the other case, the government decided that the multi-million ringgit project was not feasible in the current economic climate. The decision was arrived at after reviewing other projects planned for the capital city.

This is most welcomed.

The Kuala Lumpur mayor said, “After reviewing everything, the government decided that we should focus on more affordable housing projects,”

Less than two months earlier, the then-mayor was adamant in going ahead with the project as it has been approved by the government. Staff were told to start packing. There were lots of criticism including no proper consultation with the people.

My admiration for the committee that reviewed the project, came up with the decision and advised the government in a short period.

It begs the question, was the earlier decision made without considering everything and without proper consultation?

Request to the committee

I wish to make a request to the committee to kindly have a look at a couple of proposals near where I live. We heard of development plans at Taman Rimba Kiara and KLGCC Master Plan but am not aware of the details. We heard through the grapevine that one of the developments planned to have three blocks of high-rise apartments.

It is hoped there will be proper consultation because it will have direct impact on us. We have had experiences before where there were no proper consultations.

I think there is a Rule 5 being practiced by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

I would like to commend the mayor for his decision to re-examine the luxury condominium project in Datuk Keramat and considering to convert it solely for affordable housing.

Meantime, I would like to know when would the Kuala Lumpur Draft Plan 2020 going be gazetted since it is long overdue.