The government will pay landowners due compensation for land taken over for development of the Mass Rail Transit (MRT) project.  

Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said he understood that they have to sacrifice their land for the project.     

"The government will pay according to the market value. So in term of market value, you all will not lose out," he said when opening a forum on the MRT project at Chinwoo Stadium here today.

He said landowners affected by the project can negotiate with the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) on the land status.     

"The matter can be negotiated with SPAD where some of the routes can be  redistributed so they do not affect the property value.        

"The MRT project will provide positive value to properties. KL City Hall has also been urged to give flexibility to developers along the route," he added.     

Approved by cabinet in Dec last year, the MRT project was placed under the 12 National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs).     

Work on the RM50 bil MRT project covering 51km and 36 stations is expected to start in July.

- Bernama