Residents Oppose Childcare Centre in KL Neighbourhoods | KiddyNews

Traffic, safety and noise among key issues highlighted during DBKL engagement session.

Residents in Taman Bukit Indah have voiced concerns over the proposed licence renewal of a childcare centre operating within their residential neighbourhood, citing issues involving traffic congestion, safety, cleanliness and noise.

The concerns were raised during a public engagement session organised by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) at the childcare centre along Jalan Selera. About 14 residents attended the dialogue, which also involved the centre’s operator and DBKL representatives.

Many residents said they understood the importance of childcare services for families but stressed that operations within a residential area should not disrupt the daily lives of surrounding households.

Residents Frustrated by Traffic and Parking Problems

Several residents described traffic congestion during peak drop-off and pick-up hours as one of the biggest challenges faced by the neighbourhood.

Resident Lilian Sin said vehicles parked along the road and near homes had caused inconvenience for residents returning from work.

“Parents dropping off their children often park along the road, while some staff members also leave their vehicles near our homes and service lane,” she said.

“There are times when I return home and cannot even find a place to park near my own house.”

Another resident, Grace Chin, questioned whether the narrow residential roads were suitable for a high-traffic childcare business.

Safety Concerns for Young Children

Apart from congestion, residents also expressed concern for children’s safety during busy hours.

Resident A. Maniam said he had witnessed situations where children crossed the road suddenly after getting out of vehicles.

“I have seen children getting out of cars and suddenly dashing across the road into the childcare centre,” he said.

Residents said proper traffic management measures would be important to reduce risks for both children and motorists in the area.

Complaints Over Noise and Cleanliness

Noise was another issue frequently raised during the session.

Residents claimed that crying children, loud music, and occasional parties organised by the childcare centre had affected the neighbourhood’s peace.

Some also highlighted concerns over rubbish disposal.

One resident, speaking on behalf of her elderly mother, said that waste linked to the centre’s operations had worsened the area’s cleanliness issues.

“My mother often finds plastic bags and even diapers in the bin,” she said.

“We are trying to practise separation at source, but others simply toss anything into the bin.”

Another resident, B. Tan, alleged that some parents and staff members had contributed to littering by throwing rubbish from their vehicles onto nearby roads.

Operator Promises Improvements

Childcare centre operator David Ooi acknowledged the concerns raised and said he appreciated residents taking part in the discussion.

“I will reach out to every resident who came here today and see how I can resolve the issues,” he said.

Ooi added that he would consider hiring security personnel to help manage traffic flow during peak periods.

A representative from the architecture firm appointed by DBKL assured residents that all feedback gathered during the engagement session would be reviewed before authorities made any decision regarding the licence renewal.

DBKL Introduces Stricter Engagement Process

DBKL Planning Department officer Mohd Zulasyraf Ahmad Fauzi said the dialogue formed part of the city council’s newer requirements for businesses seeking approval to operate commercial activities within residential properties.

He explained that operators may also be required to submit a Letter of Undertaking to ensure commitments made during public engagement sessions, including promises involving traffic management, cleanliness and noise control, are properly fulfilled.

The case reflects the growing challenge of balancing the increasing demand for accessible childcare services with the need to preserve safety, comfort and quality of life within residential communities.

Source:

The Star  – “‘No to childcare centre in KL neighbourhood’”

Thoughtfully adapted by KiddyNews. Keeping parents and educators informed with the latest ECCE developments from Malaysia and beyond