KUALA LUMPUR – The recent sinkhole incident in the capital has highlighted the need to enhance infrastructure systems, making it a priority for the upcoming Budget 2025 presentation.
Speaking to Scoop, Kuala Lumpur Residents’ Association for Sustainability and Development (KLRA+SD) chairman Tan Booi Charn said that with Kuala Lumpur experiencing rapid development and a growing population density, infrastructure aspects must be prioritised.
“The development in Kuala Lumpur has been extremely rapid, leading to various undesirable incidents such as landslides, sinkholes, and the risk of flash floods. This incident now highlights the need for developers to conduct comprehensive geotechnical surveys covering the entire development area.
“Immediate actions, including underground utility mapping and audits on existing utilities in Kuala Lumpur, must also be carried out involving relevant departments such as Air Selangor, Indah Water Konsortium, and Tenaga Nasional Bhd,” he said when contacted by Scoop.
In August, Jalan Masjid India had to be closed following an incident in which an Indian tourist, Vijaya Lakshmi, fell into a sinkhole while walking from Selangor Mansion towards Wisma Yakin.
The search-and-rescue operation was eventually halted without finding the victim’s body, due to safety concerns.
Booi Charn also reiterated the call to suspend development projects in the capital for two years, including projects that have already received development orders (DO).
“During this two-year period, authorities could review the suitability of projects based on sustainable development principles, especially large high-density projects, projects involving the destruction of large green areas, as well as those located on highlands and steep slopes,” he said.
Additionally, he stated that green sustainability is a focus of KLRA+SD to ensure that residents in the capital can enjoy a healthy and vibrant lifestyle.
“Rather than building more highways, emphasis should be placed on creating more public parks so that development stability and sustainability can progress hand in hand.
“Pedestrian infrastructure and other facilities such as bus stops also need to be increased for the benefit of residents,” he added.
KLRA+SD represents 74 resident associations in the capital. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will present Budget 2025 on October 18. – October 13, 2024