All upgrade works at Bandar Utama’s Central Park temporarily suspended

PETALING JAYA: All upgrading works at Central Park, a popular dog park in Bandar Utama, have been temporarily suspended.

Bandar Utama assemblyman Jamaliah Jamaluddin, who is also the Selangor public health and environment committee chairman, said Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon has agreed to hold further discussions with the relevant parties and the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).

“The mayor agreed that all upgrading works at the original dog park site be temporarily suspended to allow for further discussion and comprehensive consideration regarding the function and direction of the area.

“During this period, MBPJ will discuss with concerned parties to achieve the best resolution for all concerned.

“My office remains committed to playing a role in ensuring that a balance is maintained between the interests of all parties — including the local community, local authorities and relevant stakeholders.

“The priority is to ensure that every decision made takes into account public interest, community well-being, and the preservation of public green spaces in Bandar Utama,” Jamaliah said in a Facebook post today.

Based on information obtained from MBPJ, the proposed development of Central Park was approved in 1993, and the area was placed under MBPJ’s management for 10 years.

This was later extended until the area was gazetted as public reserve land in 2008.

However, MBPJ’s records show that a Canine Training School programme had been operating there without council approval.

Jamaliah said MBPJ’s Landscape Department issued a notice in 2021 to vacate the area.

“Enforcement was postponed pending an official decision by MBPJ, while also taking into account feedback received from residents and the local community.

“My office also received reports from residents regarding this matter,” she added.

On Oct 7 this year, MBPJ’s Landscape Department issued a second notice for eviction.

“However, as there are still ongoing issues that need to be resolved. Based on discussions between my office, the mayor and the council, enforcement actions will be deferred in the meantime,” she said.

It was earlier reported that a notice to vacate the fenced dog park within Bandar Utama’s Central Park in Petaling Jaya has left regular visitors and pet owners deeply concerned about the park’s future.

MBPJ issued the notice to developer Bandar Utama City Centre Sdn Bhd, citing “encroachment and unapproved construction activities” that violated the 2005 park by-laws.

The dog park has been a key community meeting spot for pet owners over the past 20 years.