Kuala lumpur: A total of 98 families residing in the Bukit Kiara Longhouse will receive two free housing units as part of a redevelopment initiative aimed at preserving Taman Rimba Kiara as a public green space. This announcement was made by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh, highlighting a revised agreement that initially required families to purchase a second unit at RM175,000, despite being from the B40 income group.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the decision to provide the second unit free of charge came after extensive negotiations. The groundbreaking ceremony for the permanent housing was held today, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The development is confined to 5.76 acres and is projected to complete in three years, ensuring that residents can move into new homes before the demolition of existing longhouses.
Hannah Yeoh emphasized the importance of maintaining shelter for the community during the transition, noting that the remaining land will be returned to the government to be designated as a public open space. This redevelopment is seen as a balanced solution that preserves Taman Rimba Kiara while upgrading living conditions for residents.
Additionally, a joint audit involving Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Friends of Bukit Kiara, and the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) will oversee the management and protection of trees in the area. FRIM will assist in relocating trees to Taman Rimba Kiara to minimize environmental impact.
In her address, Hannah Yeoh highlighted that the development demonstrates the possibility of synchronizing housing needs with environmental conservation, achieved through collaborative efforts to balance residential rights and ecological preservation. She noted that this resolution addresses a relocation issue dating back to 1982, signifying the end of a 44-year wait for these families.
Furthermore, a grant of RM100,000 was announced for the Dewi Sri Maha Mariamman Bukit Kiara Association to support the temple site, which will be preserved and officially zoned as a Non-Muslim House of Worship. Parking facilities at Taman Rimba Kiara will also be enhanced from 80 to 150 spaces.
The event was attended by notable figures, including the Prime Minister's wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud.