KUALA LUMPUR – A proposed eight-court pickleball development in a residential area along Jalan Kuantan in Taman Tasik Titiwangsa has triggered strong objections from residents, who say the project conflicts with long-term planning under the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (KLLP2040) and could set a precedent for commercial intrusion into housing zones.
The project by NDV Ventures Sdn Bhd has raised concerns over increased noise, traffic congestion, safety risks, and the erosion of neighbourhood liveability, following the proposed temporary conversion of residential-zoned land into a commercial sports facility.
An engagement session organised by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) on Wednesday brought together residents, representatives of NDV Ventures Sdn Bhd, and Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad to discuss the proposal.
Residents claimed earthworks and preliminary activity began in January without prior approval from authorities.
Following complaints, a RM50,000 compound was issued to the developer, and the site was later sealed at the end of February after the penalty allegedly went unpaid within the stipulated time frame.
Speaking to Scoop, Taman Tiara Titiwangsa Residents Association committee member Sylvester Navaratnam said residents only became aware of the project after construction activity had already started.
“Normally, when approval is granted, there are notices or sign boards displayed. In this case, there was nothing,” he said.
He questioned why early consultation had not been carried out with residents and elected representatives before works began.
“The KLLP2040 is meant to guide the city’s long-term development. Residents are concerned when temporary commercial conversions are introduced into residential zones without proper consultation,” he said.
“What is disappointing is that Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud did not formally engage or inform our MP at an earlier stage. If he had been involved sooner, proper discussions could have taken place before the issue escalated,” he added.
He also questioned whether due process under the city’s long-term planning framework had been fully observed.
“This involves KLLP2040, a major planning framework for the future of Kuala Lumpur. Our concern is whether proper consultation and procedure were followed,” he said.
“This is not the first time such issues have emerged in Kuala Lumpur. A similar case was reported in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) earlier this year, where residents objected to proposed pickleball court developments over zoning, noise and livability concerns,” he added.
During the engagement session, NDV Ventures reportedly argued that although the land is zoned residential, DBKL has discretionary powers to approve temporary non-residential use under specific conditions.
However, the explanation failed to convince many residents, who maintained that the proposal is incompatible with the area’s residential character.
Meanwhile, a Taman Tiara Titiwangsa Residents Association executive committee member who wished anonymity told Scoop that residents were not opposed to sport or recreation, but opposed increasing commercialisation within housing areas.
“We are not against sports, but developments like this must respect the zoning and identity of the neighbourhood,” the representative said.
She warned that approving the project could open the door to similar developments in other residential areas.
“Once a precedent is set, it becomes increasingly difficult to prevent similar proposals in future,” she said.
Residents also voiced frustration over what they described as weak enforcement against existing unauthorised commercial activities in the area, despite repeated complaints to authorities.
Several claimed that rising commercial activity has already affected their quality of life, citing noise, traffic congestion, security concerns and disruptive visitor behaviour.
They stressed that Taman Tasik Titiwangsa is among Kuala Lumpur’s oldest residential communities, with some families having lived there for more than four generations.
The session also revealed differing views among residents, with a smaller group supporting the proposal, arguing that gradual commercialisation is inevitable.
However, opponents said some supporters no longer reside in the area and were motivated by property value and rental considerations.
Nik Nazmi reportedly suggested alternative sites for the pickleball facility, including Stadium Titiwangsa and Club PDRM, a proposal that received support from the residents association and most attendees.
A DBKL representative said feedback from the session would be submitted to the mayor, with a decision expected within 14 days. Final approval may rest with either the mayor or the Federal Territories Minister.
KLLP2040, finalised in 2024, was designed to replace the Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020 and translate the broader Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040 into a detailed physical development framework. It aims to guide the city towards a “Kuala Lumpur for all” vision.
The plan comprises two volumes: Volume 1 covers planning control, zoning, development intensity maps, and land and building classifications, while Volume 2 outlines implementation strategies, proposals and initiatives to support detailed planning controls. - May 15, 2026
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