Clearance operations on Bukit Gasing suggest there is more afoot than mere 'soil tests' to determine the feasibility of a development project, said anxious residents.

The residents, who fear that a proposed project to build 142 bungalows on the 15-hectare land will endanger their lives and adversely affect the environment, showed proof today that extensive works were already being carried out.

At a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) building today, members of the Joint Action Committee for Bukit Gasing distributed copies of photographs after submitting a memorandum on the matter to Mayor Ruslin Hassan.

The photographs showed that the developer - Tetuan Gasing Meridian Sdn Bhd - had cut a road through the dense forest and up the steep hill (photo) to allow access for heavy vehicles needed for the earth works.

They also showed other parts of the hill had been cut (photo) and that sandbags had been placed to prevent soil erosion (photo).

"Why must the developer go to this extent unless they feel somehow they are going to embark on this project?" asked committee member Ralph Gomez.

On Nov 23, Ruslin said the project had yet to be approved and was in the midst of being vetted by a number of technical committees.

Ruslin also assured residents that the drilling activities conducted on Bukit Gasing since early November were merely soil tests to determine what kind of work can be carried out on the hill.

While 37 hectares of Bukit Gasing has been gazetted by the Selangor government as a green lung and a further 53 hectares which falls under DBKL's jurisdiction has been proposed as a green area, the rest of Bukit Gasing has been slated for commercial and residential development.

Tragedy in the making

According to committee chairperson Victor Oorjitham, however, the southern part of Bukit Gasing earmarked by Gasing Meridian (photo) is especially unsuitable for development because of its soil structure and composition.

He quoted Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia geology expert Prof Dr Ibrahim Komoo who on Nov 21 told TV3 that he believed the targeted area, parts of which slope up to 70 degrees, was unsuited for development.

Oorjitham also cited a 1994 study by Universiti Malaya's Institute of Geology that found Bukit Gasing to be comprised of sandstone and shale, which he said also rendered it unsuitable for development.

"If you allow development on this area, we are going to have a tragedy," he told reporters.

Meanwhile, committee member Edward Lee said residents were prepared to undertake a nation-wide fund-raising campaign to buy over Gasing Meridian's ownership of Bukit Gasing if all other means of saving the hill failed.

Lee said this move, however, was dependent on DBKL's decision on the project.

The issue is not only that of Bukit Gasing but symbolises the struggle of Malaysians to regain control over and to protect the environment, said Lee.

"This is an issue of principle, the conscience of the people," he said.

Ruslin could not be reached for comments while Gasing Meridian will be releasing a statement tomorrow.

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