What happens when MBPJ ignores its own rules on development in Petaling Jaya? It’s no use ignoring the problems, says former councillor KW Mak, as eventually everyone will end up having to pay.
KW Mak
Inconsistencies in the MBPJ
Ampersand by KW Mak
Notwithstanding that the PJ Local Plan 1 is arguably an invalid document, how has the MBPJ measured up against its own local plan and what does it mean for PJ residents? A former councilor explains.
Who protects PJ ratepayers?
Ampersand by KW Mak
IN my previous column, I gave examples of how the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) deals with enquiries by giving only verbal instructions. The fact is, there are rules and regulations for everything that falls under the council’s purview. These rules are, however, not made public, and are sometimes kept from councillors as well. The trouble it causes […]
On the runaround with local councils
Ampersand by KW Mak
HAVING served in the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) for almost four years, I must say that the default image the public has about government officers is that they are corrupt. It is hard not to be categorised as such when there are plenty of news articles that point towards impropriety in both conduct and […]
Objecting to unsound developments
Ampersand by KW Mak
THERE is a proposal by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) to redevelop the PJU1, PJU2, SS and PJS areas of Petaling Jaya (PJ). Details of these proposals are found in the Draft Special Area Plan and the council is invoking Section 16B of the Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA) 1976 for this exercise. […]
Passing the buck on disabled-friendly buildings
Ampersand by KW Mak
RECENTLY, I had the pleasure of participating in several workshops involving people with disabilities organised by Beautiful Gate Foundation. The speakers took the trouble to paint a world of constant struggle with many things that able-bodied persons take for granted, be it from traversing steps to visiting a public restroom. The challenges aren’t limited to […]
What’s the price of PJ’s development?
Ampersand by KW Mak
IF we think the price of development is traffic jams, we are mistaken. That isn’t the only price people have to pay for so-called progress in the city. The question is, will PJ residents continue to pay the price for development in their city or can measures be taken to avoid these hidden costs?
Is sustainable development possible?
Ampersand by KW Mak
WHEN residents talk about development in an urban environment, the discussion primarily focuses on ensuing traffic problems for the existing neighbourhood. Developers would, in turn, talk about how they are bringing in much needed economic activity into the area to justify the project. Any discussion without a base framework to start from would invariably lead […]
Watch those high-rise buildings
Ampersand by KW Mak
ONE of my investigations as a Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) councillor has been into the mystery of how the council could allow a 24-storey building to go up when the project only had a planning permission for 22 storeys. I usually begin any investigation by requesting information through official means. Since councillors don’t always […]
Unclogging PJ’s drains
Ampersand by KW Mak
BROKEN and clogged drains are common complaints in Petaling Jaya. Often, members of the public have to complain for the umpteenth time before the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) shows up to repair their broken drains. It would be reasonable for the public to wonder why they even need to complain before drains are repaired. […]
