The pressures from the market to increase allowable
construction densities in Petaling Jaya is high, considering the good location
we are in next to Kuala Lumpur and in the center of the Klang Valley. Land
owners and developers stand to gain a lot from any increase in allowable
construction density, which explains the market pressures to increase allowable
densities.
In the coming months, Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ)
will be conducting an exercise to amend the Petaling Jaya Local Plan (Rancangan
Tempatan Petaling Jaya, RTPJ as it is commonly known). The RTPJ is a document
that spells out among other things the maximum allowable density for
construction throughout Petaling Jaya.
While there is a demand, we are very concerned about
Petaling Jaya’s ability to cope and cater to an increasing population,
especially in the area of traffic. As a city, Petaling Jaya has to move forward
in having a holistic and efficient public transportation network, to move
people within the city and to and fro the city. The era of depending on private
cars is over, as we will be plagued with endless traffic jams if the city
relies solely on private vehicles.
Unlike most cities in the world, public transportation in
Malaysia is not under the jurisdiction on the respective city councils, but
instead it lies in the hands of the Federal Government. Recent efforts to build
up a rail network with the MRT is a start, but it is not enough to make it
possible for all residents to have access to decent public transportation.
The Federal Government, needs to also look into a proper bus
network to connect people to the LRT and MRT stations. The Klang Valley is
lagging behind other cities worldwide in the number of buses on the road, which
play a crucial link in public transportation.
In Singapore, there are 3 times more buses per capita compared to the
Klang Valley.
We, who live or work
in the City of Petaling Jaya, call upon the Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya
(MBPJ) and the Selangor State Government to halt any proposal or consideration
to increase allowable construction densities in Petaling Jaya, until we a proper
public transportation network.
