The redevelopment issue in Kampung Sungai Baru, Kuala Lumpur has resurfaced with a notice for remaining homeowners to vacate their homes by October 4. The notice, issued by the Federal Territory Land and Mines Office (PTGWP), warns of legal action against those who fail to comply. According to the notice, occupying government land illegally can result in a fine of up to RM500,000 or imprisonment for up to five years.
The secretary of the Kampung Sungai Baru Terrace Homes and Flats Owners Action Committee, Wan Abdillah Wan Embong, rejects the notice and calls for intervention from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He points out that Anwar previously stated that all redevelopment projects in Kuala Lumpur would be put on hold until negotiations with residents had taken place. However, this has not happened in Kampung Sungai Baru, and the authorities are now asking the homeowners to leave their homes with very short notice.
Wan Abdillah highlights that the notice was sent earlier this month. He also mentions that 37 terrace house owners are dissatisfied with the compensation provided by the developer. Independent consultants valued the land at RM2,000 per square foot (psf), but residents were only paid around RM400 psf. Wan Abdillah emphasizes the need for renegotiation to ensure a win-win solution for all parties involved. He adds that the homeowners possess valid grants for their land.
StarMetro’s report on Dec 27, 2022.
Kampung Sungai Baru is situated between the Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (Akleh) and Kampung Baru. It consists of 264 PKNS flats and 64 terrace houses on a 5.23ha leasehold plot owned by Kampung Baru Development Corporation (PKB). The redevelopment plan, which began in 2016, includes the construction of a mixed-development high-rise.
Over 60 engagement sessions were held until October 7, 2020, during which 219 owners (67%) agreed to the deal. Residents were promised units in the completed project as well as cash compensation based on the floor size of their homes. However, controversy arose last year when some residents protested against the plan, citing the low compensation offered. This led to the halt of the redevelopment project and the developer utilizing the Land Acquisition Act 1960 to take over the land.
Subsequently, PTGWP issued a notice explaining the takeover process, after which 72 more flat owners reportedly gave their consent. Director of Ritzy Gloss Sdn Bhd, the developer, Abdul Hadi Ahmad, confirmed that the residents were granted a three-month extension prior to the eviction notice and that all compensation had been paid. He mentioned that hoardings would be put up around the area before construction commences.
Titiwangsa MP Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani suggests that those who need more time to vacate should discuss with the developer as nearly 98% of residents have already moved. He states that the government has approved the resumption of the redevelopment project due to the significant delay. As of now, PKB has not responded to requests for comment.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
