KUALA LUMPUR – A 2.41-acre plot of land beside SK Setapak, earmarked for the school under City Hall’s (DBKL) Draft Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (KLLP2040), is reportedly being considered for lease to an event management company, sparking concerns about the future of students there, including those with special needs.
Residents of Taman Tiara Titiwangsa have voiced outrage, accusing the authorities of prioritising profit over the welfare of vulnerable children.
Speaking to Scoop on behalf of the residents, Taman Tiara Titiwangsa Residents Association (RA) committee member Sylvester Navaratnam urged DBKL, the Federal Territories Ministry, and the Ministry of Education (MoE) to uphold the land’s intended purpose.
“This land was designated for a school under KLLP2040, and it should serve the community – especially the 80 special needs children currently studying in deplorable conditions at SK Setapak, which is over 130 years old.
“Who gave them the authority to change its designation to a commercial area? If the Federal Territories Minister (Dr Zaliha Mustafa) or DBKL wished to change the land use, they should be transparent about it and explain why they prioritise profit over children’s welfare,” said Navaratnam when met.
“These children need proper facilities. If the land is used appropriately, it could accommodate 200 to 300 special needs students, providing them with the care and education they deserve.
“The residents of Taman Tiara Titiwangsa care deeply about these children and their well-being. Many parents from Gombak, Genting Klang, Setapak, Wangsa Maju, and Setiawangsa – mostly from the B40 community – send their special needs children here because they cannot afford RM4,000 to RM5,000 in private school fees.
“Special needs students cannot thrive in substandard conditions. This is a question of equality and inclusion. These children are as much a part of our community as anyone else, and they must not be overlooked in favour of corporate interests,” he added.
Navaratnam, who is also a Federal Territory Residents Representative Council member, expressed concerns about leasing government land to third parties, drawing parallels with the controversial alienation of police station reserve land in Taman Desa.
It was previously reported that the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Land Executive Committee approved the application to alienate police reserve land at Lot 54780 in Taman Desa to Sinar Mantap Sdn Bhd for the construction of flats.
Navaratnam also highlighted that the MoE, as the custodian of the 2.41-acre plot, should allocate part of its RM64.1 billion Budget 2025 funding – the largest in its history – to invest in the land.
“We do not want the same situation as Taman Desa happening here. Even our MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Setiawangsa) is aware of the situation and supports our cause.
“DBKL spent RM40 to 50 million developing KLLP2040, which included input from infrastructure experts. Deviating from it undermines the entire purpose of long-term city planning.
“If authorities continue to renege on their commitments, why draft such plans in the first place?
“This 2.41-acre plot should be preserved for future generations – for schools, clinics, fire stations, and other essential services. Why the rush to lease or sell it for short-term financial gains?
“I urge MoE director-general Azman Adnan and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek to visit the site during school hours. There is land available, and it should rightfully be allocated to SK Setapak.
“If the land is leased to someone else, it could eventually be purchased, leading to the school losing the opportunity for expansion,” Navaratnam warned.
It was reported that KLLP2040, prepared earlier this year, was intended to replace the Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020. It was drafted to translate the goals and strategic direction of KLSP2040 into a more detailed physical plan, aiming to achieve the vision of a “Kuala Lumpur for all.”
KLLP2040 comprises two volumes: Volume 1 focuses on urban planning management, including planning control guidelines, land use zoning, development intensity maps, and land and building classifications, while Volume 2 addresses the translation of KLSP2040 through planning strategies, implementation proposals, and initiatives, forming the basis for detailed planning controls outlined in Volume 1. – December 9, 2024