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Thursday March 27, 2008

State government puts two hillside development projects on hold

By ELAN PERUMAL

elan@thestar.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: Two hillside projects in Bukit Antarabangsa approved by the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council soon after the general election have been put on hold.

Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said a review would be carried out in line with the new Selangor government’s go-slow policy on hillside development.

In a press conference after chairing his first state executive council meeting yesterday, Khalid said the state would also investigate why the projects were approved.

State local government exco member Ronnie Liu, who has been tasked to look into the matter, said the developers of the projects were not to carry on with work until further notice.

He said the first project, for which approval was given on March 10, involved 194 bungalows and 410 units of shops and offices at Taman Hijau, Menara Mutiara, Taman Tar and Ukay Heights. The second, approved on March 18, incorporates 21 units of bungalows.

“We are curious why the council approved the projects after the general election,” Liu said, adding that the state government is looking into the matter after receiving complaints from nearby residents.

“I will visit the site together with the council's president, Datuk Mohamed Yacob, and officials, including those responsible for granting the approvals.”

He said a final decision would be taken after the visit and following meetings with the officials and residents.

Liu said the state was wary of hillside development, especially at Bukit Antarabangsa, which was considered as a “black area” under constant threat of landslide. Among the worst was the Highland Towers tragedy of 1993.

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