SHAH ALAM - Seri Setia assemblyman Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah has called for a serious reassessment of Selangor’s urban planning policies, suggesting that all development should be halted while the state reviews how its cities should be designed for the future.
His remarks came amid residents’ concerns over worsening flash floods, traffic congestion and diminishing green spaces in TTDI Jaya, here.
Fahmi responded to the concerns raised by residents on Threads regarding continued development in the neighbourhood, including a proposed apartment project.
“I understand the concerns raised by you and other residents of TTDI Jaya, as I used to own a house there myself.
“The area was developed more than 20 years ago and the problems we are experiencing today, including floods, traffic congestion and waste management, are the consequences of the planning policies implemented at the time.
“Clearly, this needs to change. In my personal view, all development should be halted while we undertake a serious rethink of how cities in Selangor should be planned and designed for the future,” he wrote on Threads.
His response followed a post by Threads user @sxznx, who said they had lived in Section 13, TTDI Jaya, for more than 24 years and had witnessed what they described as overdevelopment, poor town planning and inadequate landscape infrastructure.
The user appealed to Fahmi, whom they said they had voted for, to represent residents’ concerns and prevent further development, particularly another apartment project expected to be built in the area.
“Our neighbourhood is now home to many elderly residents, whose situation becomes even more difficult during floods when they risk being trapped inside their homes. We do not need more housing developments at the expense of our peace and well-being.
“Traffic congestion is also getting worse by the day, with roads changing so much that even my mother struggles to recognise them anymore. It now takes us at least 20 to 30 minutes to reach the Federal Highway,” the user said.
Other Threads users also expressed concerns about the pace of development and its impact on the surrounding environment and infrastructure.
User @aliyawanders said: “It is true that since the new administration took over, numerous housing developments have been built, resulting in the clearing of green spaces.”
Meanwhile, @aliamirrazali called for development in TTDI Jaya, Bukit Jelutong and Glenmarie to be halted, citing concerns about a repeat of the 2006 incident and the consequences of uncontrolled development.
User @whoisizwa urged Fahmi to use his position in the Selangor State Legislative Assembly to raise residents’ concerns and push for a temporary halt to development projects.
“Sir, as a representative in the Selangor State Legislative Assembly, you have a platform to amplify the people's concerns.
“We urge you to use your position to raise these issues, call for a temporary halt to development projects and push for a reassessment of the area's town planning,” the user said.
The concerns come after heavy rainfall on Nov 2 triggered flash floods across several parts of the Klang Valley, including Kampung Melayu Subang in Sungai Buloh and TTDI Jaya in Shah Alam.
In TTDI Jaya, rising water levels along the Sungai Damansara basin worsened the flooding, renewing concerns over the area's ability to cope with heavy rainfall amid continued urban development.