In recent days, there has been some serious activity seen by surveyors and others on the piece of empty land behind Hospital Fatimah, Ipoh Garden, Ipoh. As this plot of land, long unused, long kept unkempt and defiantly posing a health hazard for years, is now about to be developed, have the residents nearby been consulted about what it is all about?

To the best of my knowledge, nobody knows for sure what is about to happen, who is responsible for the development or how it is going to affect the residents nearby. As I understand the regulations on land development, residents are to be consulted prior to any building or development being commenced.

In light of this, may I request the state assemblyman for Taman Canning, YB Hew Yew Can, and the city councillor-in-charge for this area, Vincent Hooi Ching Sun, to come forward to arrange a meeting so that the local residents are able to be enlightened as well as place their apprehension if any, on the development and suggest changes if necessary.

For one, the earth drain beside this land needs to be completely closed to prevent the stink from prevailing upon the nearby homes. What about piling or other construction work affecting the houses nearby? The votes of the residents must be respected and honoured by our elected representatives and appointed councilors, so that the residents are able to judge the choice they made in the election.