The Save Taman Rimba Kiara (Save TRK) movement came together on March 8, 2025, to celebrate a monumental victory — the preservation of Taman Rimba Kiara as an open green space.
During the event, a 30-minute documentary by radio station BFM was screened. It was a well-earned triumph for a community that fought relentlessly against encroachment by developers and questionable decisions made by Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
But while the victory for Taman Rimba Kiara is worth celebrating, the battle is not over. The longhouse residents who have lived beside the park for decades are still waiting for the permanent housing they were promised more than 40 years ago.
Taman Rimba Kiara is a 24-acre public park at the base of Bukit Kiara in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. For the community, it is more than just a park; it is a sanctuary of nature, a green lung in the heart of the city.
Beside this park, 98 families have been living in longhouses, clinging to the hope of one day receiving proper housing. That hope was nearly crushed in August 2016 when the Kuala Lumpur mayor issued a notice under the Planning Rules 1970 for the construction of eight blocks of luxury condominiums valued at over RM3 billion. The proposed development would have taken over not only the longhouse residents’ site but also a significant portion of Taman Rimba Kiara itself.
Despite widespread objections from residents, City Hall pushed ahead and issued a development order in July 2017. Outraged by the blatant disregard for public opposition, the residents took legal action and filed a judicial review against City Hall.
Their initial attempt was unsuccessful — the High Court ruled in favour of City Hall, declaring that the development order was legally issued. But the community refused to back down. Taking their fight to the Court of Appeal, they secured a crucial victory in 2021 when the court overturned the High Court’s decision, effectively quashing the development order.
Yet, City Hall was not ready to concede defeat. Ignoring the court’s decision and overwhelming opposition from the people, City Hall took the matter to the Federal Court, using public funds to fight on behalf of a private developer.
The question must be asked — who was City Hall truly protecting? The residents or the developers? The answer was painfully obvious.
Finally, in May 2023, justice prevailed. The Federal Court dismissed City Hall’s appeal, upholding the Court of Appeal’s ruling. The decision reinforced a critical principle — local councils cannot issue development orders without properly following consultation procedures.
Had the residents lost, the outcome would have set a dangerous precedent, opening the floodgates for unchecked development across Bukit Kiara. This victory was not just for Taman Tun Dr Ismail residents but for all Malaysians who value green spaces and their right to be heard.
The success of the Save Taman Rimba Kiara movement is a testament to the power of community action. Public participation matters. When a community unites, its voice cannot be ignored. Persistence is key — when you know you are fighting for what is right, never back down. Authorities must be held accountable, as seen in this case when City Hall underestimated the unwavering resolve of the Taman Tun Dr Ismail residents.
And most importantly, nature needs a voice. The courts recognised that the trees, birds (including hornbills), and wildlife in Taman Rimba Kiara contribute to our quality of life. Who will speak for them if we don’t?
This victory would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment of Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh, who is also the Youth and Sports Minister. She stood by the residents every step of the way, attending court proceedings and providing unyielding support.
Speaking at the celebration event, Yeoh said, “If there is one project I am most proud of in my 17 years as a politician, it must be this fight to save Taman Rimba Kiara. I cried when I heard the Federal Court verdict — persistence does pay off.”
Taman Tun Dr Ismail is fortunate to have such a dedicated MP.
Equally deserving of recognition is Leon Koay, the mastermind who brought together the forces behind this movement. Professor Gurdial Singh Nijar, the brilliant lawyer who took on the case pro bono, played a pivotal role in articulating the community’s case. Residents Abdul Hafiz Abu Bakar and Clinton Ang also contributed their unwavering dedication and passion to the cause.
While the battle to save Taman Rimba Kiara has been won, another battle remains — the fight for permanent housing for the longhouse residents. For more than 40 years, they have been given nothing but empty promises.
In May 2024, the Cabinet directed City Hall to preserve the greenery of TRK while ensuring that these families receive the housing they were promised. This is a step in the right direction, but action must follow. The longhouse residents have waited long enough. City Hall must act without further delay, and the Federal Territories Ministry must ensure that the Cabinet’s directive is swiftly carried out. Justice delayed is justice denied.
Now is the time for Malaysians to take a stand.
Green spaces are vital for our overall wellbeing; we must continue to work together to protect them. Authorities must be held accountable — public officials serve the people, not private entities. Social justice must be upheld, ensuring that all Malaysians, regardless of status, receive fair treatment and a voice in shaping their communities.
The Save Taman Rimba Kiara movement has proven that ordinary citizens, when united, can bring about extraordinary change. Let this victory be a beacon of hope. The fight is not over until the longhouse residents have their homes. The time for action is now.
The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.
