Urban well-being for KL redevelopment projects?

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw reiterates that redevelopment of KL Pudu Jail site and other areas must be truly comprehensive, taking into considerations various factors including heritage, environment and traffic.

The tearing down of government buildings such as Pudu Jail leaves only the facade. This is followed by redevelopment projects. What will happen to KL as a hub to the Klang Valley?

On 4.9.2011, Dr Tan continues to comment on redevelopment projects in KL.

PM YAB Najib has added Urban Well-being to the Ministry of Federal Territories since 2008. We look forward to well-being in the city. As I have said before, uplifting Puduraya Station with RM 6 million and changing it into Pudu Sentral should really be meaningful. The station is in the middle of Pudu Road, showing the lack of planning in the 70s. The big project near the station was abandoned for many years.

Tackling the traffic conundrum by Mass Rapid Transit, MRT, is a reasonable measure. Then, the cogs in the wheel must be fitted properly, including the effective monitoring of the project and reliable corporations appointed. How do we ensure that his multi-billion project is implemented with integrity. MRT projects in Hong Kong, China and other countries go underground in city centre. But, shop owners in the middle of KL such as those in Jalan Sultan have to face the musical show of being told they need not move.

Among the government buildings destined for redevelopment is the site of Pudu Jail. There is a detailed heritage study. Besides the facade, the structure is being destroyed to be replaced by myriad of new buildings. All units will be sold at high prices.

We continue to look at various development projects of KL in terms of urban well-being. This includes the replacement of old low-cost houses for the poor with new high-rise buildings.

Tan Seng Giaw