By Dr. Pola Singh
“I used the power of the press as my megaphone, crafting letters to the editor and providing journalists with the data and heart they needed to tell this story. We weren't just activists; we were storytellers for a forest that couldn't speak for itself”
At 77 years old, I often find myself walking the familiar trails of Bukit Kiara, reflecting on the long, arduous journey this hill has taken. Today, it stands as a gazetted sanctuary, a "Hill of Life" for thousands of hikers, runners, and cyclists. But there was a time, in the early 2000s, when its future was far from certain—when the sound of birdsong was nearly drowned out by the looming threat of bulldozers.
The Formative Years: A Strategic Defence
In the formative years of the Friends of Bukit Kiara (FoBK), the late Mr. Liew Khooi Cheng and I realized that saving the hill would require more than just passion; it required a sophisticated, multi-pronged strategy. We knew that Bukit Kiara—strategically nestled between the bustling heart of Kuala Lumpur and the satellite town of Petaling Jaya—was a prime target for developers. They didn't see an ecosystem; they saw "underutilized" real estate. They wanted to commercialize it bit by bit, a process of "salami-slicing" that would have eventually left nothing for the public.
To counter this, Mr. Liew and I embarked on a mission to make our voices impossible to ignore. We held persistent, high-level engagements with the then Prime Minister of Malaysia, the late Tun Abdullah Badawi and wife, Ministry of Local Government and Housing, specifically the Jabatan Lanskap Negara (JLN). As the official guardians of the park, we urged them to see that their true mandate was conservation, not just maintenance. We also worked closely with the Mayor of KL City Hall, finding receptive ears among officials who began to understand that a world-class city needs more than just skyscrapers—it needs a soul.
Galvanizing the Community
While we worked the halls of government, we knew we needed the people behind us. We organized "Save Bukit Kiara" walks, and the response was overwhelming. Thousands of residents showed up, their presence sending a clear message: the hill belonged to the community. Suddenly, the public's awareness was heightened. The hill was no longer just a place to exercise; it was a treasure to be defended. Video link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jugncfhfdqk
Mr. Liew and I participated in countless conferences and panel discussions, tirelessly propagating the idea that green spaces are a non-negotiable component of urban health. I used the power of the press as my megaphone, crafting letters to the editor and providing journalists with the data and heart they needed to tell this story. We weren't just activists; we were storytellers for a forest that couldn't speak for itself.
The Turning Tide: The Role of Hannah Yeoh
Our efforts were significantly bolstered by the entry of YB Hannah Yeoh into this long-standing battle. Her contribution has been both contributory and decisive.
First, as the Member of Parliament for Segambut—the constituency where Bukit Kiara is located—she was a fierce champion on the ground; along with other activists, Abdul Hafiz and Leon Koay, she helped save ‘Taman Rimba Kiara’ – the park at the base of Bukit Kiara; for that, TTDI and neighbourhood residents are forever grateful.
More recently, in her capacity as the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), she provided the political will and executive weight necessary to concretise efforts to save Bukit Kiara.
Quote: “We laid the foundation, we fought the good fight, and today, the green wins. The "Hill of Life" is safe”
Her unwavering support was the catalyst that turned decades of advocacy into the ultimate victory: the full gazettement of Bukit Kiara in stages. This protection, coupled with the establishment of a 300-metre buffer zone at the hill’s periphery, ensures that the wildlife, flora, fauna, and the very peace of the hill are finally shielded from the encroachment of concrete.
A Legacy of Love
Some friends jokingly call me the “Guardian of Bukit Kiara.” I am nothing of the sort—just a man who loves a place deeply and has benefited immeasurably from it. Bukit Kiara has given me health, clarity, friendships, and purpose over the 35 years I have walked its trails. In return, all I ask is that we protect it—fiercely and collectively.
As I look at the lush canopy today, I feel a profound sense of peace. Our children and their children’s children will continue to enjoy these trails because we refused to back down when it mattered most. I am certain that my dear friend and co-founder, Mr. Liew Khooi Cheng, is smiling from heaven today. He looks down upon a Bukit Kiara that remains green, vibrant, and free.
He and I stood our ground together during those early years, and I know he would be equally proud of the legacy we have left behind. We laid the foundation, we fought the good fight, and today, the green wins. The "Hill of Life" is safe.
Pola Singh (mediaplayer1717@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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