Enforcement

We can plan but can the plan be executed according to the planning is very much subjected to the capability of executors and will of the targeted audience. For example, we can plan a comprehensive multi-modal of transportation network taking into the connectivity, affordability and accessibility both the travellers and providers. However, whelther the plan is workable or not is very much beyond the control of the planners, especially under the circumstances of existing governance system.

Similarly the Council can insist the applicant to comply with consequence condition attached to the approval, but the implementation will be very much unpredictable. For example, while it is a standard condition of requiring the owner of dwelling units to install rain water harvesting system or reserving 10% of land for green space, many of these are not seen in the housing area. Most part of the house compound are covered with premix for car park and the water tank is not visible too. It comes back to the question of enforcement. How stringent enforcement is done will determine how are the conditions be met.

We witnessed not only conditions are not fulfilled, but ignorance of law and committing offences against the law. It is not uncommon to see residential house fronting the main road at Jalan SS2/55 advertised openly about the prospect to be commercial premise even though it is not allowed under the provision of local plan. Buntings hanging along the major street advertising a college even though the application for college in the industrial area was rejected. Then, house applied for minor extention work has all in sudden turned into a huge demolition and rebuilding of new building development. Continue use of residential building for commercial activities even though the application to change the use has been rejected. Many of the budget hotel were declined license but continue business as usual. Hawkers are continuing violating the law for dirtying the public area even though summouns are issued non stop. Season fruit stalls are put up for non-season fruit selling.

I presume, the list can go on and will go on unless tougher actions are initiated, without fear and favour.