KUALA LUMPUR – Despite the lack of a development order (DO) and long-standing objections from some Kg Sg Baru residents, demolition work is taking place ahead of the redevelopment project in the Malay enclave.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa (Sekijang-PH) told Dewan Rakyat today that construction is expected to start next year after private property developer Ritzy Gloss Sdn Bhd secures a DO from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
She also confirmed that the groundbreaking ceremony for the project will be carried out at the end of this year.
“When the minority group (of residents opposing the project) insists on being stubborn and refuses to vacate the premises, they cause several issues at the site, such as disturbing clean-up works, the setting up of boards, and demolition works, which are being done in stages by the developer.
“During discussions, including with Titiwangsa MP (Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani), we have found that there are also security issues as unoccupied homes unsafe to be inhabited have been invaded by drug addicts and foreigners.”
Zaliha also urged the public to understand why demolition works have to be continued, saying: “Don’t be influenced by social media posts. Enough of acting and speaking without facts, we have to find the best solution based on facts.”
She said this in response to a question from former federal territories minister Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (Arau-PN) about the project’s current status, which has been consistently opposed by some residents due to claims of inadequate compensation, among other things.
Last month, DBKL confirmed with Scoop that Ritzy Gloss has yet to secure the DO needed to execute works in the area.
This came after Federal Territories Amanah chief Khalid Abdul Samad questioned the developer’s apparent haste in evicting residents from the area prior to securing the required approvals from authorities. Khalid was also federal territories minister from July 2018 to February 2020.
Meanwhile, Zaliha also asserted that the current polemic over the project is because there are two opposing groups of residents with clashing opinions on the project, which first came about in 2016.
One group of residents, labelled as the majority, agreed with the joint venture (JV) offer from the developer and have given their full cooperation to ensure the project’s continuation, she said.
The second group, which the minister deemed the minority, consists of residents who rejected the JV offer and are unhappy with the compensation they received after their lands were subjected to compulsory acquisition under the Land Acquisition Act (LAA) 1960.
The approval of Ritzy Gloss’s submission for the government to use the LAA allowed the then-Perikatan Nasional administration to take formal possession of land in the area in 2021.
“The ratio between these two groups is 66.77% and 32.23%. I have met with both sides and listened to their explanations and hopes,” the minister said.
“However, after considering the matter, I believe that the government needs to be fair to the majority of residents who have agreed to the project from early on.”
Defending valuations made by the Lands and Mines Office, Zaliha said flat residents had received between RM198,000 and RM350,000 in compensation, while terrace homeowners were given between RM800,000 and RM2.9 million.
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, however, argue that their votes should carry more weight due to their larger land areas compared to flat owners.
The redevelopment project has been delayed for about eight years due to disputes over compensation. – July 10, 2024