30pct of flood retention ponds, open spaces to be gazetted

PUTRAJAYA: The Federal Territories Department will expedite the gazetting process for the remaining 30 per cent of approved open spaces and flood retention ponds to ensure the areas continue to be preserved for the well-being of city residents.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the commitment followed a briefing by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), led by chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman, on the outcome of investigations into the alienation of flood retention ponds to developers for residential and mixed-development projects since 2021.

“The MACC found no elements of corruption, misconduct or abuse of power in the land alienation process and development orders issued by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to developers.

“The commission investigated the entire process through document reviews and witness statements, including from the developers involved, while appointed surveyors confirmed that no boundary encroachment had occurred,” she said in a statement today.

She said the MACC had also reminded all parties that future development approvals must take into account the risks and functions of flood retention ponds, and undergo stricter assessments.

She said the MACC also took note of the department’s move to establish a special task force to speed up the gazetting of green areas and flood retention ponds.

In addition, the commission commended DBKL for immediately halting all new planning and development approvals in the affected areas.

Yeoh said the consultation session with the MACC was the first of its kind organised by the department, and that strategic cooperation between both parties would continue from time to time to strengthen governance for the benefit of the people.

MACC advised DBKL to tighten monitoring and governance of development projects near retention ponds to ensure all conditions and specifications are strictly complied with by contractors.

– Bernama

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المصدر: New Straits Times