David and Goliath

RENOWNED animal activist Christine Chin and her family have been living on a 38,000 sq ft plot of land in Ampang for 11 years in a luxurious villa designed according to her interests and lifestyle.

The villa also has an office for the chairman of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Selangor. Additionally, the property has a large garden where Chin looks after rescued dogs and pets of friends.

However, her peaceful life took a turn in late 2016 when the developer of the East Klang Valley Expressway (EKVE) and Ampang Jaya Municipal Council claimed that Chin’s property encroached on state land, despite her possessing a title deed contradicting their assertion.

As of 2023, the EKVE remains unfinished and has become an eyesore. Chin’s neighbors are also frustrated because she has spent significant time and money on the legal battle.

Chin said, “Every morning, I wake up and see this ugly structure, which is just meters away from my home. It’s been almost six years now and the delay has caused us immense anxiety and financial distress. We can’t sell the property with this issue looming over it.”

The main issue is that Article 13(1) of the Land Acquisition Act stipulates that there must be appropriate compensation for acquired properties. However, the state government has been slow in providing compensation, causing discontent among Chin and other residents.

Chin has written multiple letters to Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, seeking resolution, but with no success. Consequently, she has resorted to legal means to pursue justice.

The construction of the EKVE, a RM1.55bil 36km highway, has faced numerous legal and logistical delays, leading to its prolonged construction period.

Chin revealed that she had been wrongfully blamed for the delay and believes this situation is a lesson for citizens, emphasizing that their rights should not be violated.

In the midst of fighting for compensation, discussions have taken place regarding redesigning the elevated U-turn to avoid Chin’s property. However, the redesign has raised concerns among residents, who have requested safety evaluations from the Malaysian Highway Authority.

The Land Administrator has issued an award of RM11.2mil to Chin as compensation, but no payment has been made yet. Following the award, the developer, EKVE Sdn Bhd, sued Chin and four state agencies for alleged fraud and negligence.

Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri even criticized the EKVE’s construction, blaming it for causing floods in Hulu Langat due to clogged drains, which disrupted the drainage system. The Works Ministry stated that the EKVE is 91% complete and will be open in stages from 2024.

This story is significant as it showcases a property owner’s refusal to accept a compulsory land acquisition silently. Chin fights for what she believes is fair and hopes to be treated with respect.

She faces an arduous and costly battle, but she refuses to give up easily.