REPORT ON TAMAN BAYU PERDANA ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY, ROAD SAFETY AND SECURITY

BACKGROUND

Taman Bayu Perdana (TBP) a strategically located residential property consists of 1425 units of double-
storey terrace houses which is surrounded by other residential, commercial and public properties.
Occupation of the ‘taman’ began in 1998 with few property owners moving in randomly occupying their
respective units in the ‘taman’. A period where there were less people and less vehicles with low volume
of traffic movement within the ‘taman’. It was a serene environment for comfortable dwelling. However
as time passed, more and more people moved in to occupy their residences and some units were rented
out by the owners. Along with these occupancy trend, volume of traffic too increased causing noise
pollution, increased traffic movement and increased number of street walkers. This gradual
development was the precursor to all our ills that TBP residents are facing now. Adding to the above, the
growth and development (commercial properties) over the years within the surroundings of TBP had
further exacerbated the living conditions within the ‘taman’.

Today, with 1425 units of households with complete occupation and each household with an average of
4 persons and 3 cars per household is the order of the day. With these developments the upper
threshold of serene environment and comfortable dwelling in the taman had been pushed to limits.
Unbearable moments of stressful dwelling situations are the order of the day for many residents in the
‘taman’.

Besides in-‘taman’ vehicles (4275 vehicles both personal and commercial) there are hundreds of
trespassing vehicles using the ‘taman’ as a by-pass route. On a daily basis, at certain intervals, there are
extremely high rate of traffic inflow and outflow from TBP, causing traffic congestion, uneven and
interrupted traffic flow causing noise pollution, vehicle accidents and injuries, perpetual dust
precipitation and low quality air. In essence, TBP environmental and road safety had been compromised
to a level of concern.

Adding the above, cases of various categories of crimes had risen over the years causing fear among the
residents. There had been number of snatch thefts, house-breaking, robbery, burglary and mugging
cases both during daytime and night-time. In short, TBP has lost its residential identity due to outgrowth
of within and surrounding vehicle and traffic volumes, increased population (including influx of foreign
workers) and increased commercial and social activities.

PROBLEM STATEMENT

TBP has lost its identity as a residential area where residents are no more able to enjoy the serenity and
a peaceful living landscape due to environmental and noise pollution, road safety hazards and
perpetuating crime incidents.
NEGATIVE IMPACTS AND CONCERNS OF TWENTY YEARS OF TRANSFORMATION IN AND AROUND TBP

After a series of studies conducted by the RA committee, our observations are as follows:

1. Tremendous increase in number of vehicles and traffic volume had outgrown the
accommodating capacity of the ‘taman’.
2. Population increase with increased transgression of undesirable activities.
3. Increase in non-violent, violent and property crimes creating fear and stress.
4. Increased movement of trespassers and short-route pliers from surrounding residential and
commercial properties (includes both vehicle and people) causing concern and pollution.
5. Demographical shift with more working people and younger generation with personal vehicles.
6. Limited road and parking spaces within the taman due to increased vehicles and haphazard
parking.
7. Too many (8 points of entrance/exit) unrestricted access points in the taman facilitating crimes
using motor cycles and vehicles.
8. Inadequate road signage and traffic transgressions.
9. Inadequate road safety measures leading to mishaps and minor accidents.
10. Unsafe environment due to noise and air quality pollution due to consistent vehicle congestions.
11. Unwelcome intrusion and social activities by outside groups.
12. Disruption of homely peace and serenity.

IMPACT OF UPCOMING NEW DEVELOPMENTS

In recent years, most of the neighbouring ‘tamans’ had become GG community enabling a deterrent
security posture for these communities. Such a situation inevitably raises the risk level by increasing
vulnerability for non-GG communities and rendering them as easy target for criminals.

Second, the building of LRT station adjoining TBP is another key concern for the residents. Certainly it is
seriously going to further exacerbate the already unbearable situation by increase in trespassing traffic
volume, congestion and parking within the confines of ‘taman’ perimeter.
The most Widespread Neighbourhood Problems reported in TBP due to Traffic Congestion.

Traffic Accidents - The occurrence of accidents, and frequently the fear or expectation that accidents
may occur, is a significant problem. Much residents anger and reaction to traffic stems from a desire for
safer streets.

Noise, Vibration and Air Pollution – These are aspects affecting the quality of life of residents in the
taman. At their extremes, they can affect the environmental peace. At less extreme levels, they
represent at least a nuisance within a neighborhood

Traffic Speed. Speed is a subject of frequent resident complaint. In some cases the speed of all vehicles
is a problem; in others, short-cutters are the culprits. The negative reaction to speed is often a
translation of concern over high levels of noise and fear of safety problems.

Traffic Volume. The total amount of traffic is a major cause ,of complaint. (Please refer to Annex ‘A’ for
peak hour traffic congestion in the taman). As with speed, complaints about high volume are often a
reflection of previously cited problems: safety, noise, vibration and air pollution. Complaints about high
volumes are also a positive indicator that some of these other problems are perceived to exist.

Traffic Composition - In most cases, it is through traffic that residents complain of, though quite often
the problem lies with neighborhood residents. Certain types of traffic are also a prime cause of
annoyance, especially trucks, buses and motorcycles which create more noise, fumes, vibrations and
perceived hazard than the regular automobile.

Appearance, Identity, and Aesthetic - Traffic, by its mere presence, detracts from the appearance of a
serene neighborhood, be the ‘vehicles parked or moving. The presence of traffic can detract from more
positive features of a neighborhood, aiding if not causing a reduction in tranquil and aesthetic or
appealing neighborhood.

Reduction of Street Activities and “Neighbouring” - These are effects of traffic which are problems of
communities as much as problems of individuals. Particularly in the evening hours, when traffic noise is
high, the desire to meet and converse on the street is reduced. Where traffic volumes are high, the
ability of children to use the streets as play areas often is reduced too. Other physical activities, such as
walking and jogging by the enthusiast group , are also affected.

Crime - There is also some evidence that streets with greater auto accessibility may be more susceptible
to residential crime(e.g., burglaries).