A piece of nature right at our door step

Tired of the hustle bustle city life? Want to get in touch with nature, but too lazy to travel too far?

Welcome to Air Hitam forest reserve.

It is no secret Puchong folks have been trekking the Air Hitam forest reserve trails for some time now. At around 3000 acres, the reserve is a surprise survivor of green lung encompassed by rapidly ongoing  development of Bandar Kinrara, Pusat Bandar Puchong, Equine Park and a few other developments.

Green lung in Puchong surrounded by developments

The Air Hitam forest reserve belongs to the Selangor Forestry Department, leased to University of Putra (UPM) for research purpose. There had been some altercations between hikers and UPM officers who were trying to prevent hikers from entering the forest reserve before, but that matter had been resolved.

Now hikers are free to trek the trails without any worries even though there are still Selangor Forestry Department signs warning hikers to stay away.

The Selangor Forestry Department does not interfere with hiker activities as long as they stay within the trails, without damaging the surrounding, and keeping the forest the way it is.

Warning sign from Selangor Forestry Department

The beginning of the trail is at Jalan Bukit, Pusat Bandar Puchong, not far away from Wawasan Park in Pusat Bandar Puchong.

From BK3, it is only around 5 to 7 km away depending on which road you take.

There are plenty of car park spaces around but don't be surprise it is packed during the weekends, especially in the mornings and evenings, as trekking activity is gaining popularity.

Map from BK3 to the start of trail

From the snap shot of Google earth aerial view below, the beginning of the trail is just right next to a few shop lots. The trail then gradually winding up the hill and slowly disappearing into the lush green forest.

Google earth view of the trail

Trail entrance

Once inside the forest, the hikers can choose to take the trail that goes one loop, which will take about 1 hour or more. Alternatively, the more popular and less strenuous route is just trek up to one of the peaks and turn back, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

The trails are just moderately tough (quite similar to Gasing Hill), suitable for people of all ages. Anyone in reasonably good health will have no problem handling the walk.

Part of the trail

Small stream with crystal clear water

Great view of Puchong skyline from the trail

Every morning and evening plenty of nature lovers are enjoying the hiking activities in the forest. It is a great way to do some exercise, meet like-minded people, and enjoy perhaps the last piece of untouched forest in Puchong.

The best thing is, it is only a few minutes drive away from BK 3.

It is a great alternative for BK3 residents who frequently walk up to the BK3 water reservoir in the morning, who are looking for something slightly more challenging.

At the same time getting in touch with nature.

End of the road

On 8th August, the was another meeting with Tan Seri Syed Hamid Albar of SPAD, Prasarana, Dato Yap Pian Hon and BK3 protem committee in SPAD's office.

This was the final push with the suggestion of constructing a new ramp exiting from the left lane of Bukit Jalil Highway to BK4 in order for the LRT track to be realigned to the middle of Bukit Jalil Highway.

SPAD, JKR and Prasarana had visited BK3 area the week before to see if there is a possible way for that to happen.

In Prasarana's presentation, they have concluded that the new ramp is not a viable option. It will have temporary as well as permanent problems for the residents of BK3 if materialized.

In fact, the ramp will be closer to the houses than the LRT track. On top of that, time frame, temporary traffic diversion, etc. making that option not possible.
 
SPAD concurred with Prasarana's finding, leaving us no option but to stick to the original plan of having the LRT track at our green lung.

In consolation, Prasarana proposed to install sound barriers next to the track, and beautify the area with landscaping after the construction is completed.

Sound barrier and landscaping proposed by Prasarana

That was the end of discussion.

The protem committee had tried their very best over the last two years to resolve the issue of station no. 5 and realignment of LRT track.

While they managed to get station no. 5 canceled (on hold), they were not able to convince the responsible authorities to realign the LRT track.

They have tirelessly approached MPSJ, Selangor State Government, YB Gobind Singh, and Teresa Kok, Dato Yap Pian Hon, and finally SPAD chairman Tan Seri Syed Hamid Albar.

Yet the answer is still the same every time - nothing can be done about the realignment.

While still not satisfy with the non-solution, there is really nothing more the protem committee can do. They have exhausted every avenue possible trying to get the realignment done.

Therefore the committee feels it is time for it to dissolve. There is really nothing more can be done.

They would like to thank every BK3 residents who offer their support over the past two years. Without your support, station no. 5 would not have been canceled.

If there is any consolation, winning half the battle is better than nothing, life still goes on.

Have a good holiday and Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all Muslim friends.

What's next?

With the construction of Ampang LRT line continues, our fight for realignment still hangs in the balance. We have exhausted almost all avenues in our fight, but continue to reach out to the people that can possibly help us to find a solution.

On Tuesday, 4th of July, we finally get another chance.

This time with the help of Dato Yap Pian Hon, we managed to arrange a meeting between Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar, chairman of Suruhanjaya Pengakutan Awan Darat (SPAD), Dato Yap, Prasarana and BK3 protem committee members.

Meeting in SPAD's office

We again presented our case with several proposed options for the realignment of the LRT track. However, Prasarana again citing technical and cost as some of the reasons that are preventing them from further pursuing the possibility of realignment.

In addition, some of technical issues also involve possibilities of restructuring the ramp and highway alignment, which fall under the jurisdiction of JKR. All that will probably involve additional funding as well.

Unfortunately, SPAD mentioned that their hands are tied in our realignment issue. They have no say in anything that involves cost. Unless there is instruction from higher authority, there is really nothing much they can do.

They also mentioned we are probably a little late in highlighting this issue, even though we told them since as far back as in 2009, when the project was announced, we have already voiced our concerned. We then continue to highlight the issue again many times since beginning of 2011, when the project was awarded, non stop until now. Most of our correspondences are copied and hand delivered to SPAD as well.

However, SPAD did mention anything is still possible and ask Prasarana to stop cutting the trees at the green lung until this is officially settled.

One thing we must highlight is Prasarana has already obtained all the necessary approvals from all relevant authorities to construct the track at the green lung. In other words, they have the legal right to go ahead with the tree cuttings and construction of the tracks at our green lung.

As with station no. 5, it is still put on hold at this moment, and we hope it remains so forever. For the convenience of BK3 residents, there is a station no. 4 walking distance away at BK2 that can serve our community equally well.

Meanwhile, we will continue to take our fight to the next level.

Prasarana must try harder to realign track from green lung to median!

This morning BK 3 residents came out in full force, urging Prasarana to try harder in order to move the LRT track away from their green lung area to the median.

No one is against the LRT project, the residents just have a simple request.

The message is loud and clear.

SAVE OUR TREES
NO LRT TRACK NEXT TO OUR HOUSES
NO NOISE POLLUTION
GIVE US BACK THE GREEN BUFFER ZONE
RAISE UP STATION 04 & THE TRACK TO CLEAR THE RAMP
LISTEN TO THE 'RAKYAT'

AND.. PRASARANA MUST TRY HARDER TO COME UP WITH A SOLUTION.

A big "THANK YOU" for all the residents who turned up and showed their support this morning.

Show your support, save our green lung!

After all this while, we still can not be sure if the realignment of the track can be done. Although we manage to get them to cancel station no. 5, that only solves half of our problem. The track will still be running at our green lung. We still want some answers.

Do you need some update? Do you still want to save our green lung?

Show up this Saturday morning at Jalan BK 3/3C to show your support. Reporters will be here to hear what you have to say. We will also try to answer some questions that you might have. Show up with you own placard. Stand up and be counted.

Date: 21st April 2012
Day: Saturday

Location: Jalan BK 3/3C (near pedestrian bridge)

Time: 9:00am sharp

Show your support, save our green lung

As many of you know, some of the trees have been cut to make way for the new LRT track. We have been trying very hard to have them stop temporarily. However, there is no promise that the realignment can be done. The tree cutting exercise may continue again very soon. Are you concern that the trees will be cut? The tracks too close to our homes? Green lung lost forever? Don't let them do this to us. We want our community the way it is.

Stop cutting our trees!

 
Let's show up in full force again to save our green lung. Don't let them cut our trees.

Hear the sound of chainsaw? Trees gone forever?

It has occurred to us that some of the residents, especially those staying at Jalan BK 3/3B, 3/3C and 3/3E, are still not awared that the green lung right in front of the their houses will be gone forever very soon.

All these trees will be chopped down & replaced with LRT track.

In case the residents haven't found out yet, the new Ampang line LRT track will be running RIGHT AT OUR GREEN LUNG, and not at the middle of Bukit Jalil highway.

In other words, all the TREES WILL BE CUT to make room for the new LRT tracks.

All the trees cut. This is what our green lung will look like very soon.

In fact, it can happen any moment now. Although  we are still fighting to keep the track off the green lung, the answer we get from Prasarana is not too encouraging. Although at this moment station no. 5 is cancelled, we are still left with the task of trying to get the track off our green lung.

That's why we need you, especially those staying at BK 3/3B, 3/3C and 3/3E to come forward to SHOW YOUR SUPPORT, since you are affected the most by this development.

Yes, you better wake up

There is a briefing again tomorrow at the time at location listed below that we want you to attend:

Date: 24th. March, Saturday

Time: 6pm (evening)

Location: 1, Jalan BK 3/3C (in front of En. Amin's house)
(near pedestrian bridge)

We will update all residents of the latest development on the LRT project. 

Time is running out. This will be our last-ditch effort trying to make something happen.

It is time to wake up before it is too late.

p/s: This blog is not going to reach everyone. So we need a favour. Check and see if your neighbours are awared of the problem. If not, inform them. Then ask them to inform their neigbours too..

Back to Drawing Board!

It is consensus opinion amongst BK3 residents who attended the dialogue in MPSJ yesterday that Prasarana should go back to drawing board again to restudy the alignment of the LRT track.
 

Prasarana should go back to drawing board

With the presence of YB Theresa Kok, residents who attended the dialogue pointed out no matter how difficult it is, it is still an engineer's job to find the best solution to realign LRT track back to the middle of Bukit Jalil highway. 

As it is now, Prasarana is just taking the easy way out without considering the negative impact the tracks will bring to the residents.

Although the residents found out from the dialogue station no. 5 is indeed canceled (now marked in the drawing as possible future expansion station), nothing has been done to the realignment of the LRT track.

There are other parties present who wanted the station back but they were easily out-numbered by the residents of BK 3. The support from the residents of BK3 has been incredible all this while, even after facing so many obstacles, including sacrificing their time during work hours to attend the dialogue yesterday.

Some proponent of station no. 5 also feel bad for the residents in BK3, and openly supported the effort to push for the realignment of the tracks as well. 

It is inconclusive at this moment whether station no. 5 will be brought back but judging from the presence of the supporters from various camps, BK3 residents definitely have the upper hand.

One clear message we are sending to them is there is no way BK3 residents can accept station no. 5 in our area without realignment of the LRT track.

Say no to LRT track on green lung

In a separate event, it is rather unfortunate some residence in KL have to face similar predicament as us here in BK 3 with the MRT alignment. Is Prasarana really bulldozing their way aruond? According to Ong Tee Keat, they certainly are (read the full article here).

Malaysia Insider article on MRT realignment issue

Are they doing the same thing to us here in BK3? It certainly feels that way.

No station no. 5 in BK3 ?

Yes! There is no more station no. 5 in BK 3.

In a "teh tarik" session with Mr. Gobind Singh this morning in BK3, he confirmed that there will not be a station no. 5 in BK3.

However, only half of the issues we proposed are settled. There is still no conclusion yet on the realignment of LRT away from the green lung area.

We have suggested a few proposals and the discussion is still on as to the best alternative to get it done. Right now the track will still be as per the original design, running along on the green lung area. Mr. Gobind Singh has assured us they will look into all angles, discuss and come up with the best possible solutions.

Meanwhile, we can at least know that BK 3 will remain the way it is, a quiet and peaceful community.
 

"Teh tarik" with Mr. Gobind Singh

About a month ago we were at Mr. Gobind Singh's office discussing about the LRT issue. While we were there, we also complained that since he was elected, he had never really set foot in BK 3. It is about time he should pay us a visit.

So when he mentioned about paying BK 3 folks a visit to have breakfast and “teh tarik”, just to say hello, we gladly accepted the offer.

The day finally came.

Residents paying attention to Mr. Gobind Singh

The meeting was informal and pleasant. Besides the LRT issue, many residents have other grouses like pot holes at our roads, uncleared side walk rubbish, and lack of road side car parks for the apartments.

A resident making a point.

While there is no guarantee all our problems will be solved, Mr. Gobind Singh did promise to look into all the complaints that we have.

The protem committee chairman En. Amin also took this opportunity to pass Mr. Gobind Singh the memorandum to be handed over to our Selangor MB.

Protem committee chairman Encik Amin handling over the memorendum

To me the best thing about the meeting was the walk around of BK 3 to show Mr. Gobind Singh our various problems and the location of  LRT track and station no. 5.

Taking a walk around the neighbourhood

By showing him the exact location of the LRT track and station no. 5 at our green lung, he could really feel how frustrated the residents are with the poor planning by Prasarana.

The LRT track will be right here.  See how close it is to our houses

Station no. 5 will replace all these trees

While it is hard to say what will come out of this, we certainly hope that the next step we take is the right one.

Residents giving their final thoughts.

Now the waiting game continues again. We really hope that Mr. Gobind Singh keeps his words and we get to meet our MB to present our case.

Meanwhile, get yourself ready. When that day comes, please show up in full force to show your support. We will need all the help that we can get.

(p/s: I think using "Mr." as a title to address someone sounded much more approachable and down to earth, instead of "YB". I am sure Mr. Gobind Singh doesn't mind that. After all even the president of United States is also addressed as "Mr. President". No disrespect here.)

Show your support at MPSJ July 20th Wednesday 8:30 am

  Don't wait, sign your online petition here now!

After  waiting for four months, the time has come.

MPSJ and Prasarana have agreed to meet the residents of BK 3 to discuss about station no. 5 and LRT track on the green lung issue.

                    Date: 20th July, 2011 Wednesday

                    Time: 8:30am

                    Venue: Laman Kenaga, Aras 1, Majlis Perbandaran Subang Jaya

If you need to take a half day leave, please do. If you don't have transport and want to be there, contact us. If you can not make it, ask your neighbour or relative to attend. Your support is the utmost important thing now.

We want all of you there. Do your part. It is now or never!

THIS IS PROBABLY THE ONLY CHANCE YOU GET TO SHOW THEM YOU MEAN BUSINESS!

Let's show them our solidarity and how much we care about our community.

Don't wait, sign your online petition here now!

Thanks for your support, BK 3

Sign your online petition here

The briefing on 17th July morning was an overwhelming success. More importantly, BK 3 residents who showed up found out a taste of what it will be like with a LRT station in our area.

BK 3 residents showed solidarity today

We really want to thank all the residents who took time out during their Sunday rest day to attend the briefing. Your support means a lot to us.

Big crowd at the briefing

Packed hall with BK3 residents

Residents paying attention to the briefing

For those people who had signed the petition against having a LRT station no.5 in our area, and relocating the LRT tracks from green lung area to middle of Bukit Jalil highway, you just did yourselves a very big favour.

Residents signing petition

By doing so, you may help save our community to maintain its current peaceful and quiet nature, for years to come.

For those people who could not make it today, but want to show your support, you can still sign the petition online. Please log on to the link below to sign an online petition. 

Sign your online petition here

Help spread the news and send the online petition link to as many BK 3 residents as possible. Every signature counts. The more signatures we collected, the more powerful our voices will be.

Let's work together to keep BK 3 the way it is.