Bukit Jelutong residents’ association (BJRA) chairman Zien Hashim said they hope the field will be preserved as it has been a recreational area for the past 30 years.

He said that according to the original master plan, Bukit Jelutong was supposed to have its own clubhouse, but until today, it had not been built, and its location was eventually changed to a shophouse.

“As each green area is converted, residents lose many facilities. So, when this field is also proposed to be turned into a development project, the residents rose up to express their objections,” he told reporters after the residents held a peaceful protest here today.

Zien said the residents had not opposed other projects in the vicinity but are only rejecting this construction project on the last green area in their community.

“(The) residents want the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) to revoke the planning permission issued on Sept 6, and not to proceed with this project.

“We will meet with the developer to discuss the issue and are considering taking legal action,” he said.

Former Selangor menteri besar Muhammad Muhd Taib, who is a resident, said the project would have an impact on traffic congestion and could lead to flooding in the area.

“There are many residents here who are experts and professionals who know about the risks that will be faced if the project proceeds.

“Moreover, the absence of a field for recreational activities will also affect the social activities of children who spend time with gadgets due to the lack of a field for sports,” he said.

Kota Anggerik assemblyman Najwan Halimi said his office would help facilitate negotiations between residents, the developer, and the local authority to resolve the issue.

“We will try to find a win-win solution; what is important is that we want to preserve and maintain the green areas in Bukit Jelutong because there is no large recreation area for the residents here,” he said.