KUALA LUMPUR – The establishment of the Hayashi Ha Karate Federation in Taman Sri Sinar has not sat well with some residents in the area, who are complaining about the public nuisance caused by the karate practitioners.
Their response follows the partial demolition of the karate centre, which was built by the Rukun Tetangga and claimed to be in operation for over three decades.
In a video that went viral two days ago, a large crowd was seen trying to prevent the demolition, which was carried out by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the Federal Territories Land and Mines Office.
In the video, many in the crowd called on Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh to intervene, while several young karate practitioners preparing for this year’s Sukma questioned where they would now train for the multi-sport event scheduled to start on August 17.
The FT Land Office had given the operator a 30-day grace period to remove their belongings from the venue.
Various gym equipment and treadmills could be seen inside the building at the end of the video.
Speaking to Scoop, 58-year-old Ng Chi Chong, who lives right across from the centre in the neighbourhood, revealed that the karate practitioners, who usually train at night, are not even residents of the community.
Ng further revealed that some of the karate practitioners involved in the training have also been causing disturbances by playing loud music.
“It’s not easy for us to live in this neighbourhood with the centre being so close to our houses. This place is always noisy, and it is a disturbance.
“The Indian community in Segambut is not large, and these people come all the way from Kepong, Selayang and other parts of Kuala Lumpur to train. I have no issues with their training, but why do they need to disturb us? We have a lot of senior citizens in this neighbourhood, and they have no respect for us.
“On top of that, it’s a lie that the centre has been here for more than 30 years. My family and I have been living here for 30 years as well, and it’s only recently that they started expanding the area, constructing illegal structures, and claiming the place as if it’s their own.
“I personally have lodged several complaints about them at the Segambut police station, but so far, no action has been taken against them. So we recently took drastic measures by gathering 50 to 100 residents to complain to DBKL, our MP’s (Hannah) office and the FT Land Office to take action against their misconduct.
“We are happy with the decision made by the authorities to demolish the centre, and it shouldn’t be allowed to continue after this. It brings no benefit to the community,” said Ng when interviewed by Scoop.
Conversely, another resident, Norman Harith, believes that there could be a reason behind the authorities’ decision to demolish the centre.
“There haven’t been any disturbances from them so far as they have been teaching karate and silat in a proper manner.
“It’s 50-50. If DBKL is going to demolish the centre, there should be a reason behind it. Maybe the authorities have plans for the area.
“But at the same time, I think the centre should remain, as they have a gymnasium there. Aside from Thursday and Saturday, the place is open for public use.
“They also have a badminton court. But I think if DBKL demolishes the place, it won’t affect the residents here much, but it will definitely affect those who come there to train in karate,” said Norman.
Meanwhile, Lee Jun Liang, a 24-year-old freelancer from the neighbourhood, believes that the centre should not be demolished, citing the impact on the athletes who train there.
“I’m aware that there’s a karate centre, and I think the place should exist as it doesn’t disturb the neighbourhood much. Maybe this could be a land issue.
“I’m not sure whether it has to be demolished or not, as I’m not aware of the decisions being made. Maybe all the parties should discuss the matter together and figure out a solution instead of demolishing it.
“I have seen many athletes coming here, and I think the centre should stay because we never know – Hayashi Ha might even own the place. But I feel that the athletes could be demotivated by the current issue,” said Lee.
In a statement yesterday, the FT Land Office said it postponed the demolition after unidentified parties created a human shield using women and children to obstruct their machines, creating a dangerous environment for the operation.
The land office stated that the structure was built without valid permission and that the trespassers – a gymnasium operator and martial arts practitioner – were issued notices to vacate the site on July 4.
It added that the trespassers requested time to remove their gym equipment and signed an undertaking to vacate the site and cease all activities there for 30 days.
The office warned that trespassing on government land designated as open space is an offence under Section 425(1) of the National Land Code, which involves occupying government land without valid permission.
Offenders may face a maximum fine of RM500,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. – August 9, 2024