KUALA LUMPUR, April 12 — Plans by Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor to build a helipad in Taman Tasik Titiwangsa despite protests from residents have irked residents in the upscale neighbourhood who feel their peace will be at threatened.

Tengku Adnan's idea to provide a helicopter aerial city tour service to tourists, just like many cities in other countries, has caused residents to be up in arms against plans to have the helipad metres away from their homes.

Many who expressed their annoyance over the project insisted that Kuala Lumpur City Hall leave Titiwangsa lake garden out of commercial activities.

Most viewed the helipad idea as a repeat of the menace they faced when the Eye on Malaysia was placed there from 2007 to 2008.

Titiwangsa Residents Association president Datuk Dr Guna Sittampalam said the project would cause  much inconvenience.

“We have written to the mayor to voice our concerns and urged him to reconsider the idea, for the sake of the safety of those living close by.

Resident S. Ramalingam, 68, whose house faces the lake, said his main concern was the noise that from the helicopters.

“I wouldn't be able to bear the noise as it would be disturbing,” he said.

Ramalingam said when the Eye of Malaysia was there, he faced major problems when people parked in front of his house and blocked his entrance.

“We want a peaceful neighbourhood. It is very unfair of City Hall to cater to the needs of the tourists and foreigners at the expense of the locals,” said Ramalingam.

Echoing the objection, resident K.L. Yong, 43, said none of the residents in the area were given a chance to voice their opinion on the helipad plans.

“I'm concerned over the safety aspects as schools and hospitals are nearby,” he said.

Arason Ramalingam, 30, is worried about a helicopter mishap in the area.

“City Hall should have at least disclosed  the plan to residents so we could express out thoughts. Many of us are worried for the houses near the site,” he said.

The owner of an acupuncture health centre,  Dr W. Srinata  said when the Eye of Malaysia was operating there, there was an increase in the number of car break-ins.

“With the helipad coming up, the place will be crowded again and I am afraid the same thing will happen,” he said.

Sukma kayaking athlete, Khairunnisa Md Yunus, 16, said helicopters hovering over the park would make the place not conducive for boating and kayaking at the park lake.

“Low-flying helicopters will cause wind turbulence and disrupt the momentum of water activities,” she said.

Khamisah Chulan, 60,  who had been operating a food stall in the park for the last 26 years, is looking forward to a greater income from the presence of the helipad.

“This is a great opportunity for those who have not been on a helicopter and would like to see the beauty of KL from an aerial view. Such new ideas will bring us good business too,” she said.

A teacher from Sekolah Kebangsaan Jalan Kuantan 2 who declined to be named, said she was worried the project would limit jogging space in the park

Hafiz Azwan, 47, whose son is studying in the school near the park will not let his son to go to the park after school as he is worried for his safety.

“My seven-year-old son goes to the park after school, but with helicopters landing there, I am not taking the risk,” he said.

Another parent,  Ryan Gomez, 39, said the building of the helipad seemed to only benefit the rich and tourists, not locals.

“City Hall is only bothered about what benefits them and not the problems of the public,” he said.