1Razak Mansion residents use the park which is fenced off from the main road. — Photos: SAMUEL ONG/The Star
1Razak Mansion management wants City Hall to determine status of facility in neglected state
A PARK next to 1Razak Mansion, near Jalan Sungai Besi, Salak South, is falling into disrepair due to lack of maintenance.
Although the 0.4ha space was meant to serve residents of 1Razak Mansion and the surrounding community, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), which owns the park, has yet to officially hand it over to them.
This delay has left the park in a state of limbo, without any essential maintenance or improvements.
Frustrated residents are now urging DBKL to expedite the handover, which will allow them to make full use of the park and take responsibility for its upkeep, unless the local authority plans to take it on.
1Razak Mansion’s Management Corporation (MC) chairman Anthony Tan said the park was fenced off, with access only from the apartment complex.
He said apartment residents use the park frequently.
“We were informed by DBKL a few years ago that if we wanted to manage the park, the fence would remain and it would be for our use.
“If we did not wish to manage the park, we were told the fence would be removed and it would become a public park managed by City Hall.
(From left) Residents Jagit, Tan and Lee Eng Foo standing on a waterlogged walkway at the park.
“No one followed up with us on the matter, so I suppose we will have to write in officially to request to manage the park as it is showing signs of wear and tear,” said Tan.
The park was part of the redevelopment of the 54-year-old former Razak Mansion in 2014 in a public-private partnership.
The developer was also involved in the construction of Razak City Residences next to 1Razak Mansion.
However, because of the park’s unclear ownership status, residents are concerned that it could be redeveloped in the future, depriving the community of much-needed green space.
Additionally, because there has been no formal handover or clear ownership, the playground has not been maintained.
Long-time resident Jagit Singh said several lights at the playground had burned out and there were drainage issues which had resulted in waterlogging.
Another resident KC Wong expressed concern over the delay in handing over the park.
“It’s been eight years since we received the keys to our apartment, so we hope that DBKL can expedite the process.
“Otherwise, the land may end up in the hands of a developer,” Wong said.
The park, which was formerly the site of the old Razak Mansion, includes a playground, badminton court, basketball courts and several gazebos.
During a recent visit by StarMetro, water pooling could be seen in several areas.
A DBKL spokesperson said it would investigate the reasons behind the delay in officially handing over the park.
