Stablisation works being carried out behind St Ignatius Church (on the right) as part of Sungai Kayu Ara Phase 2 Flood Mitigation Project. — Photos: RAJA FAISAL HISHAN and CY LEE/The Star
Department says reserve land needed for river widening, upgrading
Selangor Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) and the Petaling District and Land Office have not found any record permitting a church in Petaling Jaya to utilise the Sungai Kayu Ara river reserve, according to a DID officer.
Selangor DID deputy director (Operations) Louis Ho said DID welcomed any official documentation from St Ignatius Church to confirm its claim that it had been given approval to use the reserve land for a carpark and fence.
“DID would appreciate it if the church could provide a government letter of approval for the use of the reserve,” she said.
According to previous news reports, the church said it had received a letter from the relevant authority in 2012 stating that the authority had no objections to the construction of the parking bays.
The church came under the spotlight following reports of a notice issued by the land office ordering the removal of the fence, citing it as illegal occupation of the river reserve under Section 425 of National Land Code.
According to the notice, the church has until next week to remove the fence.
In a media statement, Ho said the ongoing Sungai Kayu Ara Phase 2 Flood Mitigation Project required the removal of structures along the riverbank, which included the church fence enclosing the additional parking space.
Closer view of the church fence and carpark under threat of being demolished.
“Yes, there are concerns about potential riverbank erosion due to construction of a wall (along the church carpark) that is very close to Sungai Kayu Ara.
“Additionally, the government, through JPS (DID), requires the parking area for the purpose of widening and upgrading the river.
“The project is being carried out to reduce the risk of flooding in upstream areas and around the project site.
“Based on standard procedures, if there is a need and public interest in implementing a project, the government will reclaim land, encroached upon or granted permission for use by other parties, by providing prior notice to users of the land,” said Ho.
MBPJ Zone 7 councillor John Leong said the matter would be discussed between the Bandar Utama assemblyman’s office and other concerned parties in a meeting to be held later.
“We have written a letter to the land office asking to halt any action, in the meantime, to demolish the church fence and carpark until we have all the details.
“We will meet the Petaling district officer tomorrow (Nov 6) to discuss matters and arrange for the meeting between the parties,” Leong said.
When contacted, a spokesperson said St Ignatius Church was working with the authorities on the matter and did not wish to comment further.
