KUALA LUMPUR — Gazetted land in Kuala Lumpur will not be sold to private entities to better control the city’s rapid urban development, according to a group.
Speaking to Scoop, Tan Booi Charn, chairman of the Kuala Lumpur Residents Action for Sustainable Development Association(KLRA+SD), said that this was a key takeaway from recent discussions with Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif.
Tan said the decision follows KLRA+SD’s recent petition to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
“In the meeting, we exchanged views, and one of KLRA+SD’s proposals was to protect gazetted land from being transferred to private parties.
“The Mayor assured us that, as long as she is in office, she will do her utmost to prevent the sale of gazetted land to private developers.
“This includes critical areas such as flood catchment zones that require special attention,” Tan said today.
During the hour-long meeting, the Mayor also committed to further discussions with the Land and Mines Office Committee (PTG) on the matter.
Another topic raised by KLRA+SD was the redevelopment of ageing buildings in the capital.
Tan noted that the association had received complaints from residents’ associations concerning unethical practices by developers, who allegedly withheld crucial information regarding redevelopment projects.
“We highlighted issues and challenges residents face in redevelopment, particularly for older buildings earmarked for renewal.
“KLRA+SD has received four complaints from residents’ associations regarding developers’ agents who employed unethical methods and failed to provide residents with adequate information to encourage them to vacate their properties.”
Following these complaints, Tan said KLRA+SD proposed that guidelines on best practices be established for developers involved in redevelopment projects.
“We also recommended that residents be provided with greater transparency and awareness on this issue, so they are not pressured or exploited by developers,” he added.
The Mayor proposed that meetings with KLRA+SD be held at least three times a year to address emerging issues affecting city residents.
Previously, Scoop reported that some communities identified as redevelopment zones under the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040 are experiencing distress due to unprofessional tactics by developers’ agents.
“In recent months, the Taman Cantik residential area, identified for redevelopment, has faced disorder and division due to unprofessional conduct by developers’ agents.
“Additionally, from one to seven years ago, residential areas including Taman Segar, Flat Rajawali, and Taman Sri Endah Apartments have been approached by developers’ agents who displayed a lack of ethics.
“These representatives have created discord among residents with differing views, where some support and others oppose the developers.
“Lack of transparency complicates matters for residents, making it difficult for them to voice concerns or secure effective solutions,” Tan concluded. – November 1, 2024