Business operators in Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown who have agreed to the government compensation package will get a "paid holiday" during the construction of the mass rapid transit (MRT) project below their properties.

NONE "They will have to vacate their properties for six months. But compensation will be paid fully, as if they are still carrying out business every day. Their revenue is guaranteed, it is like a paid holiday," Deputy Finance Minister Awang Adek Hussin (right) told the Dewan Rakyat during Question Time today.

Of the 23 property owners affected in Jalan Sultan, Awang Adek said only two are still holding out.

The rest have accepted the government’s offer of a compensation package, after initially baulking at the proposal.

He said the government is handling the temporary evacuation of the 120-year-old premises “through careful negotiations”.

"All this is being given due consideration so that the rakyat will not suffer any losses," he told Ismail Kassim (BN-Arau).

‘Minimal traffic disruption'

Awak Adek also said the MRT works must be implemented on schedule, but that this will not disrupt traffic in the city.

NONE "The government will always ensure that it will not create problems in terms of the safety or comfort of road users," he claimed.

He said that MRT Corp, which is handling the project, has conducted a traffic impact assessment study to prepare for any eventualities.

The agency has in place a traffic management plan approved by the relevant local authorities, he said.

For this to be effective, he added, there is a need for everyone concerned to comply with the plan.