The makeshift office and eatery has drawn flak from residents in Taman Tasik Titiwangsa. — FARID WAHAB/The Star
RESIDENTS of Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur, are dismayed by the presence of a makeshift office and eatery at an empty lot near their homes.
According to them, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) brought metal cabins to the plot of land and used them as office spaces in 2021.
Last year, an eatery began operating next to the office and residents suspected that both premises were run by the same NGO.
Since then, residents have had to deal with noise from the eatery and increased traffic in their neighbourhood, especially at night.
Even though residents lodged multiple complaints with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), no action was taken.
Residents grew even more concerned when metal hoardings were erected around the lot, purportedly to build a motorsport venue.
They then reached out to Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who raised the matter with DBKL.
Resident Laif Ahmad Fisal, 48, said Nik Nazmi and DBKL representatives visited the area in February.
“A notice was served to the operator to vacate the area within 14 days but there has been no follow-up action since then,” he said.
A copy of the notice dated March 8, shared with StarMetro, stated that the cabins were built without a development order.
A check at the site found the lot being used as a carpark.
Piles of rubbish and partially burnt items were also seen there.
Attempts to get comments from the NGO were unsuccessful.
Another resident Sidqi Ahmad, 52, was concerned over the presence of stagnant water there which could become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
“DBKL must tear down the structures.
“We are worried that more illegal premises will be built in the area,” he said.
Resident Wan Ziyad Ariff, 40, said live performances also took place at the eatery, causing further disruption in the neighbourhood.
The workers there, he said, regularly burned rubbish that emitted an acrid odour and the piles of rubbish also attracted rodents.
Residents, who carried out a land search to identify the owner of the land, claimed that it belonged to the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN).
A letter was sent to LPPKN requesting clarification on the matter.
LPPKN denied owning the land, but said it owned a piece of land elsewhere in Taman Tasik Titiwangsa.
“Our lot, spanning 0.16ha, currently has a valid tenant, who operates a carwash service,” the board said in a statement to StarMetro.
DBKL, meanwhile, confirmed that a notice was issued on March 8 to the occupant for building the office without a development order.
It said a follow-up check on April 6 found that the structure was being used as temporary storage by a nearby mosque.
The makeshift office and eatery has drawn flak from residents in Taman Tasik Titiwangsa. — FARID WAHAB/The Star
Aerial view of the vacant lot filled with metal cabins, rubbish and unfinished structures. — Courtesy photo
