TTDI residents raise noise, parking concerns over new pickleball court. [Image Source: NPLPICKLEBALL]
Residents of Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) in Kuala Lumpur have expressed their unease about possible noise disturbances and parking shortages linked to the proposed construction of an open-air pickleball court on Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi. The concerns highlight the community’s apprehension regarding the impact of this development on their daily lives and environment.
Details of the Proposed Development and Site Context
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) recorded an application for a one-level temporary pavilion meant to house a pickleball court on Lot 31212. The project, which began foundation work roughly a month ago, is located near residential homes along Lorong Burhanuddin Helmi 1, directly behind the planned site. Residents worry that the court’s close proximity will adversely affect their quality of life.
Residents Speak Out About Potential Disruption
See Kot Yeng, a 72-year-old resident, highlighted the minimal distance of only about 2.13 meters between his home and the proposed court. Expressing his skepticism about noise mitigation, he said,
“Though building an enclosed court could reduce noise, I don’t think the landowner would do that as it would incur higher costs,”
See Kot Yeng explained. Additionally, Gina Yap, a 64-year-old advertising professional who works from home, fears that the noise could interrupt her concentration. She stated,
“I am also working from home and the noise generated will affect my focus,”
underscoring her worries about prolonged activity into the evening hours.
Concerns Over Necessity and Location of the Court
Ng Heok Seong, 63, questioned the need for an additional pickleball court nearby, noting that existing facilities—such as the one in Kampung Sungai Penchala just 3 kilometers away—are already available. He emphasized the importance of location in community planning, remarking,
Image of: Pickleball
“They should not be too close to residential areas,”
pointing to the potential for increased noise and disruption in quiet neighborhoods.
Parking Shortages Could Intensify Residential Strain
Parking space availability is a major concern among residents. Ng warned that the planning does not include dedicated parking within the court’s grounds, forcing visitors to use existing roadside bays. He noted,
“More cars would also flock into the residential areas due to insufficient parking space,”
which risks exacerbating congestion and reducing space for residents and workers.
Lack of Communication and Health Risks Highlighted by Residents’ Association
Khairudin Rahim, an executive committee member of the TTDI Residents’ Association, revealed that the construction began without prior consultation. He stated that DBKL issued a stop-work order to the landowner on January 30, and as of February 28, the site remained sealed. Khairudin added,
“We also filed an official objection to DBKL on Feb 24,”
but noted no response had been received by the end of the month. He further raised public health concerns about open holes left on the site potentially becoming mosquito breeding grounds after rainfall.
Wider Context of Pickleball Noise Issues in Urban Areas
Similar complaints about pickleball noise have surfaced in cities like Hanoi, Vietnam, and Singapore, where residents have found the sport’s higher-pitched sounds disruptive when courts are located close to living areas. The TTDI case fits within a broader pattern of communities seeking a balance between recreational facilities and residential tranquility.
Uncertain Response from Kuala Lumpur City Hall and Future Outlook
At the time of reporting, DBKL had not provided any comment regarding the ongoing objections or the future status of the pickleball court project. The community’s challenge to the development reflects a deeper struggle to manage urban recreation without compromising residential welfare. Moving forward, the situation could influence how municipal authorities handle similar proposals in densely populated neighborhoods.
