Federal Hill and Lake Gardens to Make Way for Luxury Projects?
A few days ago most of the local newspapers ran the article about the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) voicing their concern about the proposed development of Federal Hill and the Lake Gardens. The massive green lung is home to a multitude of fauna can might be forced to invade nearby homes if their natural habitat is destroyed.
An online version of the report can be read here (source: The Malay Mail, you can also check out the Star).
According to the article:
Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) executive director Loh Chi Leong said this is inevitable as the forested area is home to a variety of fauna.
He said although the wildlife comprises nothing out of the ordinary, the forest is still home to monkeys, snakes, civets, porcupines and many species of birds.
“If Federal Hill goes, you will probably see an ‘invasion’ of these animals into nearby homes as they have nowhere else to go,” he said.
In the article, it is also reported that:
Federal Hill, a 70-hectare forest area between Jalan Parlimen and Jalan Bangsar, is reportedly being coveted by property developers who plan to build 1,000 units of luxury bungalows, semi-detached and terraced homes in the area.
The area is much sought-after due to its close proximity to KL Sentral, Parliament building, the National Mosque and Muzium Negara.
It is claimed that the bungalow lots could fetch at least RM4 million each.
Both MNS and WWF Malaysia emphasized the need to maintain the green lung in the city. They also highlighted that perhaps KL can emulate the concept of Hyde Park in London and Central Park in New York City.
Indeed, a deeper question is whether or not such a high-end and sprawling development is really needed at the expense of the beautiful Lake Gardens and Federal Hill, considering the glut of luxury homes in the city (like here and here).
Anyway, billion ringgit projects like these have little or nothing to do with man-on-the-street folks like us, whether it is in terms of planning, buying or selling them.
