Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is ready to meet and discuss with any Umno leader to resolve the problems of residents of Kampung Baru Rumah Hijau Bagan in Mak Mandin.

NONE He said the discussion was to find the best solution given that the contract agreement for the building of luxury houses in the village happened during the BN government.

Speaking to reporters after visiting several residents' homes, he said the problem can also be resolved if Umno pays the compensation and breach of contract costs that has to be paid to the developer amounting to RM15 million to the state government.

Besides that Lim promised to give RM1,000 to each family for shifting cost.

A low-cost house as compensation

Meanwhile, the chairman of the residents' association, A Tamil Salvan, said there were only 70 families still living in the village who refused to move for various reasons and they wanted a low-cost house for each family as compensation.

"As residents we also have rights and are not demanding excessive compensation. We also hope all sides including the state government, the federal government and the developer can cooperate to resolve the matter," he said.

The issue of Kampung Baru Rumah Hijau Bagan arose when the state government ordered more than 200 families to move to the Ampang Jajar apartments as the area was to be developed for luxury housing.

The village site was privatised for the purpose of luxury houses development five years ago.

- Bernama