At the invitation of the government authorities to submit the particular concerns of the section five residents relating to the proposed hillside bungalow development by Gasing Meridien Sdn Bhd, a letter dated March 8 2007 was sent to the Federal Territory Minister’s Office by the Joint Action Committee for Bukit Gasing. It contains queries which the residents would like to be addressed at a technical meeting on April 12 2007. For the benefit of the section 5 residents and other interested parties, the text of the letter is reproduced here. 

8th March 2007

Dr Azizi Razman bin Ismail
Pejabat Menteri Wilayah Persekutuan
Aras 4, Blok B2
Menara PJH, Presint 2
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62502 Putrajaya

Yang Berbahagia,

CADANGAN PEMBANGUNAN DI BUKIT GASING OLEH TETUAN GASING MERIDIEN SDN BHD
We refer to our letter dated 27.2.2007 and to your letter dated 21.2.2007.
We are again thankful for the opportunity given to us to participate with JPPKSAS in the matter. We are in a position to bring in our experts in the area to afford assistance to the Ministry in ensuring all issues are fully explored as the matter involves public safety.

We would like to raise the following main issues for discussion with JPPKSAS and Kementerian Wilayah Persekutan as well as DBKL:-
1.  Under the present guidelines, is the developer required to do a detailed EIA and Geotechnical Assessment report that is open to public scrutiny? Has this been done?
2.  What reports have been prepared by the developer and submitted to JPPKSAS and are these reports unqualified? We would like copies of all these reports for our comments.
3.  Should experts in the field of hydrology, geology and geotechnical services be required to be involved in this process as water from surface runoff is a critical factor in erosion and slope failure?
4.  Has a development impact proposal report been submitted clearly showing the impact of the proposed development on the surrounding area? Has a detailed diagram of the proposed layout showing photography and identifying all trees with a diameter greater than 0.8m
5.  What is the reason why the developer was unable to comply with the earlier two-phase development order? Should all development orders for development on hill slopes be subject to a two-fold development order?
6.  What were the technical requirements under the earlier development order?
7.  Should there be a prohibition for all development on hill slopes where the gradient exceeds 15 degrees?
8.  What is the effect of the proposed development on the water reservoir and how would the underground stream be affected? How is the surrounding area to be protected?
9.  Is the geotechnical engineer employed?
10.  How extensive has the developer mapped the area and the surrounding area for factors that could affect the risk slope instability erosion?11.  How detailed is the workflow for the construction phase in relation to best practices as required for the hillside development?
12.  To what extent has the geotech report detailed the relevant drainage requirements not only for the proposed development but its impact on the surrounding area?
13.  Are the experts and consultants who gave reports in support of the development professionally accountable for the accuracy of their reports?
14.  Was the soil testing carried out according to acceptable standards and methods? Can we have a copy of report?
15.  Does the proposed project involve hill cutting? What is the extent of the hill cutting and what are the mitigation measures?
16.  If the development is done, would soil movement over a period of years affect the stability of the reservoir (which has 23 million gallons of water)? How is the mitigated?
17.  Would piling work be done? If so how will it affect hillside and neighbours?
18.  What steps have been taken to prevent soil erosion arising from the clearance of trees for the road which has been constructed at the project site?
19.  What is the density of the proposed development (please provide specific details)?
20.  What is the expected increase in population?
21.  Where would the runoff water be channelled to?
22.  Would there be additional access roads? Where would these roads be located?
23.  What would be the potential impact created by additional traffic flow?
24.  Does the developer have adequate insurance coverage to protect against all losses insurance?
25.  Have the following reports been submitted and if so can we have a copy of the same:

1. Copy of Authenticated Survey Plan showing levels and contours and certified by a Licensed Surveyor.
2. Copy of authenticated survey plan showing the location and species of trees with girth exceeding 0.8 metre and other vegetation
3. New Copy of Development Report/LAPORAN CADANGAN PEMAJUAN (LCP) - disediakan oleh Jururancang Bandar yang bertauliah
4. Copy of Geotechnical Report - Perlu disediakan oleh Jurutera Perunding yang berdaftar dibawah Institute of Engineering Malaysia (IEM).
5. Soil Investigation Report (SI)- Perlu disediakan oleh Jurutera Perunding yang berdaftar dibawah Institute of Engineering Malaysia (IEM).
6. Slope Stability Analysis (SSA)- Perlu disediakan oleh Jurutera Perunding yang berdaftar dibawah Institute of Engineering Malaysia (IEM).
7. Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) - Laporan Penilian Kesan Lalulintas - Perlu disediakan oleh Jururancang Bandar atau Jurutera Pengangkutan yang bertauliah.
8. Social Impact Analysis (SIA) - Laporan Penilian Kesan Sosial - Perlu disediakan oleh Jururancang Bandar atau Perunding Alam Sekitar yang bertauliah.
9. Laporan pengurusan Alam Sekitar (EMP) - Perlu disediakan oleh Jururancang Bandar atau Perunding Alam Sekitar yang beratuliah
10. Copy of Environmental detailed Impact Report (EIA) - Perlu disediakan oleh Jururancang Bandar atau Perunding Alam Sekitar yang bertauliah
11. The elevation plan of the building
12. The proposed earthwork plan with sections, this is of paramount importance as the said area comprises a sensitive and steep hill slope
13. Cross section Plan of building and infrastructure (cross section to the existing established housing scheme)
14. Two Prototypes of models showing existing hill terrain before development and also the model of the proposed as built plan. (Inclusive of the surrounding established existing development)
15. Gambar persperktif Bersaiz A3 (gambar ilustrasi pelan cadangan “bird’s eye view”) dan bersempadankan warna hitam serta hendakian ‘diframe’.

These are the some of the issues which we would like discuss with ministry. We are in a position to bring some of our experts in the fields who we feel that the Ministry and JPPKSAS will be able to benefit. We hope that you be able to furnish us with all the relevant documents submitted by the developer to JPPKSAS and DBKL to enable us to contribute meaningfully to discussions in order to ensure public safety is paramount and sustainable development is preserved.

The letter is signed by Derek Fernandez in his capacity as Chairman of the Joint Action Committee for Bukit Gasing