Dilapidated amenities coupled with ongoing construction of the EKVE highway at the Taman Rimba Ampang has caused fewer visitors at the once popular park. — LOW BOON TAT/ The Star

Many were upset when it was announced that the East Klang Valley Expressway (EKVE) project would see the degazetting of 106.6ha of the Ampang Forest Reserve.

The public were concerned that the construction of the EKVE would lead to the deterioration of Taman Rimba Ampang.

The recreational park, popularly known as Bukit Belacan, is the main access to the forest reserve and used to be popular among families and birdwatchers.

But the past several years had seen the place become increasingly disused due to the lack of maintenance or upgrading efforts.

During a StarMetro visit, only the sounds of heavy machinery rang out in the otherwise quiet forest.

Most of the facilities, such as the toilets and changing rooms, were in a deplorable condition.

There were no lights and even the windows and doors were broken.

The playground too was in terrible shape with broken swings and damaged rubber mats.

The wooden gazebos were rotting and in need of a fresh coat of paint, while some structures were completely unrecognisable from their original condition.

EKVE Sdn Bhd senior general manager Mohd Khalid Mohamed said the company had proposed to the local authorities to upgrade the Taman Rimba Ampang and offered to bear the costs as part of EKVE’s corporate social responsibility effort.

“At present, the condition of Taman Rimba Ampang has reached a state where it is inconvenient for those wishing to enjoy the area,” he said.

He said, however, the park should be fully closed for the upgrading work, in view of safety and environmental concerns.

It was proposed that Taman Rimba Ampang was to be closed to the public from Jan 5 last year to May 5, 2019.

But after facing strong objection by the public, it was decided that the recreational park would remain open during the EKVE construction phase.

“We have done all the necessary measures including proper irrigation and prevention of soil erosion.

“Apart from silt fences and silt traps, we have covered the slopes with tarpaulin and placed sandbags as a precautionary measures,” said Mohd Khalid about EKVE efforts to minimise damage to the recreational park.

Ampang forest reserve is part of Selangor State Park. The state park is classified Rank 1 Environ-mentally Sensitive Area under the National Physical Plan and accorded highest protection.