Kg Sg Baru project: property developer yet to secure development order, DBKL confirms

KUALA LUMPUR – The private property developer spearheading a contentious redevelopment project in Kg Sg Baru had ordered water cuts in the Malay enclave prior to securing a development order. 

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) confirmed with Scoop that Ritzy Gloss Sdn Bhd has yet to secure the development order needed to commence works in the area. 

“The development order has not been issued as (Ritzy Gloss’) application is still in the compliance stage regarding technical requirements,” DBKL said in a statement responding to Scoop’s query on the matter. 

Meanwhile, water operator Air Selangor Sdn Bhd informed Scoop that its recent water cut in the area, which has affected nearly 50 families, was executed based on a “request” from “landowners”. 

When asked to clarify whether the directive had come from the developers, Air Selangor answered in the affirmative, noting that consumers in the area have not lodged a complaint regarding the supply disruption. 

Flat units in Kg Sg Baru have had their water supply disconnected since May 23, while terrace homeowners were subjected to the same treatment on June 10, the same day Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) cut electricity supply to the area. 

Late at night the following day, TNB returned electricity supply to residents, some of whom had earlier lambasted authorities for their “heartless” action, which left families without the basic necessity. 

Scoop has been informed that the water supply in Kg Sg Baru, where Ritzy Gloss is seeking to build luxury condominiums, commercial units and apartment blocks, has yet to be restored. 

Federal Territories Amanah chief Khalid Abdul Samad previously questioned the developer’s apparent haste in evicting residents from the area prior to securing a development order from authorities. 

“Why should they (residents) leave their homes now when (developers) can’t do any work until they have obtained a development order?” the former federal territories minister queried. 

His comment came after Ritzy Gloss director Abdul Hadi Ahmad confirmed with Scoop that the company has received all the necessary approvals to proceed with demolition works to make way for the redevelopment project. 

He also said the Kg Sg Baru land involved in the project now belongs to Ritzy Gloss, as the Lands and Mines Office, as well as the Kg Baru Development Corporation (KBDC), have handed over their ownership of the plots. 

KBDC’s alleged role in facilitating the project had previously been the target of Khalid’s ire, with the former lawmaker accusing the government entity of favouring a private company’s interest over residents’ wellbeing. 

Locals have consistently raised concerns regarding inadequate compensation and the approval of Ritzy Gloss’s submission for the government to use the Land Acquisition Act (LAA) 1960, which allowed the then-Perikatan Nasional administration to take formal possession of land in the area in 2021. 

Nestled near the iconic Saloma Link Bridge and the Kg Baru LRT station within clear view of the Petronas Twin Towers, Kg Sg Baru consists of 98 leasehold terrace houses and 264 flat units in eight blocks.

Out of the total properties on the land, 27 terrace houses and 192 flat units willingly accepted an offer from the developer in 2016, while 37 terrace houses and 72 flat units were subjected to compulsory acquisition under the LAA. 

Landed property owners argue that their votes should carry more weight due to their larger land areas compared to flat owners. 

The Kg Sg Baru Terrace Homes and Flat Owners Action Committee had previously met with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, appealing for his intervention in ensuring fair compensation. 

This followed news of a developer offering RM950 per sqft for the properties, significantly higher than the RM450 per sqft valuation by the Valuation and Property Management Department. – June 14, 2024