Section 13 Special Area Plan

Section 13 Special Area Plan prepared under the provision of Town and Country Planning Act, 1976 (Act 172) is on display from yesterday until 25/7/2008 for feedback and objections. Public and owners are invited to view the proposals in the plan and submit their views, if any. The plan was prepared with owners involvement since its inception. This is public participation in practice. Having said this, attendance from other stakeholders such as residents group was not prominently in sight during the launching ceremony presided by the Deputy mayor of MBPJ. Perhaps more will come forward after knowing the plan is on displayed now and we might have better in sight and constructive feedback.

The Plan envisions a business park for Section 13, transforming the present industry area into a business hub focusing on high technology, service oriented and financial activities. It is a proposal to value-added this strategically located area and to present a new and modern facade for PJ, long associated as a bedroom town for Kuala Lumpur. While new emerging activities and buildings are in sight, high volume of traffic and its impacts toward the surrounding area is anticipated. The influx of people to live, work, play and learn (the theme of the Pan) and vehicles to this tiny area will put extra pressure to the existing infrastructure. While capacity of the existing infrastructure need improvement, workable solution is to improve the public transport service within the area. Perhaps free ride should be provided for internal circulation, thus cutting down the need to travel with vehicles within the area. Alternatively, creation of a safe, pleasant and uninterrupted footpath network for pedestrian is of great help.

While land preoccupied by manufacturers now is proposed to be relocated elsewhere, the historical value of this place as the pioneer industrial area for PJ should not be discarded and forgot. It is important to record in writing the origin and contribution of this place towards the development of PJ. It is a pity if the history of this area is not properly archived.

Is Section 13 becoming a model for other industrial area in PJ or Malaysia? Its' success is very much depend on the partnership, participation and commitment from MBPJ, the land owners, the investors, the operators and of course the residents. Develops Section 13 for A Developed PJ is the key word. (Maju Seksyen 13, Petaling Jaya Maju)

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