KUALA LUMPUR – Plans for an annexe of the Royal Selangor Club in Taman Tun Dr Ismail has received opposition from residents here.
While the proposed development on the 0.5 acre Lot 31212 at Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, features plans for a bar, restaurant and pickle ball courts, it is the inclusion of a gaming room that has residents really up in arms.
Located next to the Menara Ken office building, the gaming room features slot machines – among the RSC’s main source of revenue.
“The Taman Tun Dr Ismail Residents Association (TTDI RA) is shocked to learn that a company called GPL, the slot machine operator at the Royal Selangor Club (RSC), have submitted drawings and plans to DBKL on March 10 for a proposed Annex Building-Royal Selangor Club Annex 2.l,” the RA said in a statement.
“We are puzzled why in the first place GPL, who is in the business of gaming, despite knowing fully well the said location is near/next to established residential homes, a Police Station and staff quarters, an Agama school, still went ahead with their application.
“Are they confident DBKL will somehow as an exception, grant them approval?” said the statement issued by RA spokesman Khairudin Rahim.
He said the TTDI RA had written to Kuala Lumpur Mayor and the Executive Director (Planning) on June 16 to state its objections and requests DBKL to reject it.
“In the gazetted 2040 KL Local Plan, this plot is zoned as “Commercial” and it’s use under the A8 Classification ( Betting & Gaming) shows that this activity cannot be allowed,” he added.
He said the main reasons for the objection include the proximity of the land which is a mere 10 metres from residential properties; and within a 1km radius of the TTDI Police Station and staff quarters and a religious school.
“There is no provision for a dedicated and separate club members access,” Khairudin added, explaining club members would be using the general residents and community access.
He however said RSC President issued a members circular that their General Committee together with GPL, the slot machine operator had in principle agreed to reconsider their application given the various community and NGO objections.
“To date it is only a ‘in principle’ statement and not an affirmative act of withdrawl for this application.
“Irrespective, we are earnestly awaiting confirmation from DBKL that this application has been rejected. We look forward to DBKL to make the right decision n compliance with the 2040 KL Local Plan,” he added.
He said the TTDI RA in its letter to the Mayor proposed that DBKL instead build a badly needed multi-storey public car park on the said lot to help reduce the long standing acute parking shortage.
He added that it is the last available open land for public parking and should be a priority for the Taman Tun community who goes to the nearby banks, shops, clinics and restaurants.
Meanwhile in a circular issued to members, RSC President Rizal Edi Effendi Sahbudin said the club should consider the sentiments of the stakeholders.
“We wish to categorically state that the proposed building is not initiated or undertaken by the Royal Selangor Club,” he said in the circular dated June 21.
“Given the current scenario of events, as stewards of the Royal Selangor Club, it is the General Committee’s responsibility to consider the sentiments express by stakeholders,” he added.
RSC’s current annexe, known as the sports annexe, is located in Bukit Kiara. Its main club is the historic building in Dataran Merdeka. – June 23, 2025