Development Solution for Kg Chempaka

Solution for the illegal extension in Kg Chempaka Village met with a deadlock because both the authority and residents cannot agree to the solution. While MBPJ is enforcing the strict requirement of law, the residents are requesting their demand based on past history. Average land area for every individual lot in this village is 2,600 sq.ft. in which it is only half of the land area for a bungalow lot. The problem started when all houses are detached lot without proper set back. Many houses so close to each other in which passage through is impossible and hence create haphazard to fire safety and hygiene problem. In order to minimise the risk of safety and health, MBPJ is requesting all illegally done houses be demolished. However, this order was either ignored or even challenged. According to the villagers, many of them are used to the congested circumstances and so far since the inception of this village almost 50 years ago, no unwanted incidence happened. Why want to take action now?

While nobody is against and can go above the law, the value associated to the past history cannot be ignored either. Perhaps more innovative solutions should be drawn out for the development of this village. For example, allowing semi-detached or terrace type of houses being built so that need for set back requirement can be minimised. Or even consider the development of compact house in which the requirement for set back can be further reduced. I think methods for creative urban regeneration and rehabilitation is urgently required.