TTDI Residents Rally Against Royal Selangor Club Extension: Concerns Over Traffic, School Safety
PETALING JAYA – Residents of Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) are uniting in protest against a proposed extension to the Royal Selangor Club (RSC), citing concerns about increased traffic congestion, potential safety risks for a nearby school, and the overall impact on their quiet residential neighbourhood.
The Taman Tun Dr Ismail Residents Association (TTDI RA) has been at the forefront of voicing these objections, arguing that the proposed annexe is ill-suited for the area and will significantly disrupt the quality of life for local residents. The plans, which are still under review by the relevant authorities, involve constructing a new building connected to the prestigious Royal Selangor Club, a historic institution known for its exclusive membership and recreational facilities.
“We are not against progress, but this development is simply not appropriate for our residential area,” stated a spokesperson for the TTDI RA. “The scale of the proposed annexe, coupled with the anticipated increase in traffic, will create a significant burden on our roads and pose a safety hazard, particularly for the students attending the nearby school.”
Traffic Concerns Dominate
The primary concern among residents revolves around the inevitable increase in traffic volume. TTDI is already experiencing congestion during peak hours, and the addition of a large-scale facility like the RSC annexe is expected to exacerbate the problem. Residents fear that the narrow roads surrounding the area will be unable to handle the increased traffic flow, leading to gridlock and safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists.
School Safety a Priority
The proximity of the proposed annexe to a local school has also raised serious concerns about student safety. Residents worry that the increased traffic and activity around the school will create a dangerous environment for children walking and cycling to and from school. They are calling for a thorough assessment of the potential safety risks and for measures to be implemented to mitigate any negative impact.
Impact on Neighbourhood Character
Beyond the practical concerns of traffic and safety, residents are also worried about the impact of the development on the character of their neighbourhood. TTDI is known for its leafy streets, mature trees, and quiet atmosphere. Residents fear that the construction of a large-scale building will detract from the area’s charm and disrupt the peace and tranquility that they value.
Call for Dialogue and Review
The TTDI RA is urging the authorities to reconsider the proposal and to engage in meaningful dialogue with residents to address their concerns. They are requesting a comprehensive impact assessment that takes into account the potential effects on traffic, safety, and the overall quality of life in the neighbourhood. They also suggest exploring alternative locations for the annexe that would be less disruptive to residential areas.
The residents’ protest highlights the ongoing tension between development and the preservation of established residential communities. The outcome of this dispute will likely set a precedent for future development projects in TTDI and other established neighbourhoods across Malaysia.