SEVERAL residents’ association (RA) representatives, primarily in areas affected by risky hillside developments, are urging the local authorities to put the interest of the public before that of the developers.

They came out strongly in support of the Malay Mail report on local government expert and environmental
lawyer Derek Fernandez, who urged the Selangor government not to give in to pressure from hillside project developers.

The developers have threatened to move their projects to Johor if the State government did not lift its ban on hillslope development.

Section 5 Petaling Jaya Residents’ Association president Johan Tung Abdullah agreed with Fernandez’s stand that the State government should not allow hillside development just to satisfy the interest of a small group — but at the expense of the larger community.

“I felt that Fernandez addressed the issues very well. The Selangor government has to think of the interest of the community at large as they are the ones who will be affected most by these developments.

“I hope to see the guidelines when they are allowed to be viewed publicly. Once the public can view these guidelines, and the RA finds they are against the interests of the community, we will make our representation to the Petaling Jaya City Council and the State government.”

Spokesman for the Coalition of Bukit Antarabangsa RAs (Cobara) Dr Mohd Rafick Khan said it is important for the State government to play a role that is balanced in its approach.

“The government must not be swayed into siding with developers. Safety issues must be given the utmost priority. It should be at the top of the list.

“The residents living near hillside developments must also be given a chance to look at the new guidelines so that they too, can give their input.”

Rafick said the local authorities must take into account the law and their authority for the long-term monitoring of hillside developments and soil conditions before approving for such projects.

Bukit Damansara RA president Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman said residents living in the vicinity of proposed hillslope projects must also be informed before the projects are given approval.

“It has always been the case that the neighbours only find out that a development will take place when the trees are being cut.

“The local authorities must give notice to the neighbourhood on any project proposal so they can have their say, as they will be the ones most affected by the development.

“The State government must not be pressured by anyone in drafting its guidelines, but to be fair and take into account the public interest.”

Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim last week announced that the State would be reviewing its guidelines on hillslope development and had also drafted new development guidelines for Class 3 (between 25 to 25 degrees) and Class 4 (above 35 degrees) slopes.

In our report yesterday, Fernandez said there was a need for geotechnical engineers to be appointed by local authorities and not by the developers alone to monitor supervision and checking of design and construction practices during the construction phase of development.