KOTA KINABALU: Shoplot proprietors, tenants, and business operators in Menggatal New Township, led by their spokesperson Mr. Michael Wong and represented by their attorney, Lawyer Chong Kian Meng, have officially requested that Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK) offer detailed information regarding the approval and planning process for a proposed redevelopment that could impact parking facilities, pedestrian access, roads, drainage, and other vital infrastructure in the area.
In a formal submission entitled “Formal Representation and Request for Disclosure, Consultation and Independent Professional Assessment,” the group expressed that they do not oppose genuine development.
Nonetheless, they stressed that any initiatives affecting the current township must undergo a thorough assessment, be communicated transparently, and be carried out with proper consideration for public safety.
The group is requesting clear and verifiable information from DBKK regarding the authorization process for the proposed redevelopment, as well as the legal and planning framework for any approvals that have been granted.
Key questions include: How was the project authorized and what legal or planning provisions were involved? Which government agencies have issued approvals, permits, or consents, and which approvals are still pending? What is the current status of all planning and development approvals? What planning, technical, and engineering assessments were performed prior to approval? Were affected shoplot owners, tenants, and business operators consulted before any approvals were granted?
What conditions are attached to any approvals? Are there any outstanding technical clearances or requirements?
The group has also requested that DBKK provide relevant project documents in a clear and accessible format, including site and layout plans, approved development plans, proposed modifications to parking and pedestrian areas, traffic assessments, flood-risk and drainage studies, utility plans, construction methodologies and schedules, environmental safeguards, piling methods, and emergency access arrangements.
Mr. Wong stated that the proposed changes could significantly impact the daily operations of businesses in Menggatal New Township.
Modifications to parking, pedestrian pathways, or road access could influence customer accessibility, deliveries, employee movement, and overall business operations.
The group is also worried that construction activities may lead to noise, dust, vibration, traffic congestion, and other disruptions.
It emphasized that these impacts should not be assumed to be manageable; rather, they should be thoroughly identified, assessed, and quantified, with suitable mitigation measures put in place before major construction begins.
To ensure an objective assessment of potential impacts, the group is requesting the appointment of an independent multidisciplinary professional team to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the proposed development.
The assessment should cover, among other aspects: drainage capacity and flood risk; traffic flow and road capacity; the adequacy of existing and proposed parking; pedestrian safety and accessibility; emergency access; construction-related disruptions; structural risks to existing shop lots and buildings; potential effects of piling and construction vibrations; existing and proposed utility infrastructure; environmental impacts; and the overall effect of the project on business continuity and the daily lives of residents in the township.
The group believes that an independent assessment would provide affected stakeholders and authorities with an objective professional foundation for determining whether the proposed development can proceed safely and sustainably.
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