A MYSTERY development in Medan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur, has not gone down well with stakeholders and several members of Parliament (MPs).

Bukit Bintang MP Fung Kui Lun said the project site used to be a green space and playground belonging to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) but the facility was removed in October last year when work started on the project now under construction.

In March 2016, DBKL had announced that the park would be part of a community-oriented rejuvenation and upgrading initiative.

The initiative called Signature Park Programme was launched at the junction of Medan Imbi and Jalan Khoo Teik Ee by Think City Sdn Bhd, a community-based urban rejuvenation organisation, in partnership with DBKL.

Proposed plans included an elevated walkway, seating area and children’s playground.

However, Fung said the people were shocked when months later these plans did not materialise and instead, a concrete structure was taking shape.

He said DBKL had contravened its own standard operating procedures by not ensuring that an objection notice or project notice board was placed at the site before and during construction.

“We do not know what the building is going to be used for.

“Our enquiries and objection letters to DBKL have gone unanswered for more than six months.

“How can a green lung be sold off without an open tender or a development start without a public objection hearing?” he questioned.

He added that he would be bringing the matter up in the next Parliament seating.

Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng said DBKL should have issued a stop- work order once it received the objection letters.

Kechara Soup Kitchen president Henry Ooi, whose organisation was located near the park, said the area should remain a green lung as the city lacked that feature.

“If the project is beneficial for the city, then it is acceptable.

“I hope there will be greenery around the building,” he said when contacted.

Meanwhile, a Think City spokesman said the organisation had submitted a proposal to DBKL for two pocket parks with initial concept designs drafted.

“DBKL subsequently supported the idea in principle.

“That led to our first engagement session with the local community to get their feedback on the proposal, which is a key component of our community-centric approach to improving public spaces.

“Since then, we were informed that a different direction would be taken so there was no further advancement made in this project.”

The spokesman added that Think City would continue to focus on improvement efforts within a kilometre radius of Masjid Jamek.

When contacted, DBKL said it would leave it to the Federal Territories Ministry to respond to the question in Parliament.