Kg Sg Baru 'transit house' residents want development expedited

For more than six years, the majority of the residents and their beneficiaries living in Kampung Sungai Baru, Kuala Lumpur have been waiting for the development project in their area to be completed.

They also called for an end to any controversies and unfounded allegations related to the plan.

Kampung Sungai Baru Property Owners’ Welfare Association acting chairperson Sanita Yunus said it has been six years since they moved to a transit house in Kerinchi Residence, which was provided by the developer.

Now, she said, the residents are calling for the project to be expedited so their area is on par with the development in the surrounding locale.

“For the six years we lived in a transit house provided by the developer, we were provided with good facilities, and the welfare of the residents was also maintained throughout that period.

“What was agreed between the majority of the residents and the developer is going smoothly, there are no issues to be hyped up about anymore,” she told Malaysiakini today.

Earlier, more than 100 residents and housing beneficiaries of Kampung Sungai Baru gathered at the Kerinchi Residence to express support for the development project.

Among others, they raised a banner to thank Federal Territories Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim who are considered to be the catalyst for the continuation of the project.

Residents accept compensation deal

Malaysiakini was informed that a total of 219 house owners fully agreed with the planned development and the deal offered by the developer.

Flat owners would be given a 1,200sq ft condominium with three rooms.

Terrace house owners have been offered three condominium-type houses under the development project.

It is understood that the 109 house owners who disagreed with the project have already been given compensation worth between RM190,000 and RM350,000 for flat-type residences, while RM2.5 million and RM3 million were offered for terrace-type residences.

In addition, residents who have already received compensation were also provided with PPRT (housing programme for hardcore poor) rental houses by the authorities.

Sungai Baru Project Majority Action Body chairperson Mohd Adam Abd Aziz said the development project benefits the residents based on the understanding and agreement made with the developer.

He said apart from getting a new replacement house, more importantly, it comes with an extended lease period.

“The lease period of the original house was 99 years, and we lived in the house for decades. So with this new development, the lease period is back to 99 years.

“This is an advantage we get in addition to enjoying sustainable development comparable to the surrounding neighbourhoods in this area,” he explained.

Previously, Malaysiakini reported that nearly 40 residents of Kampung Sungai Baru refused to move from their homes because they disagreed with the compensation set by the government which was RM400 per sq ft.

Actress and singer Rafidah Ibrahim, 38, is among the residents who disagreed with the compensation offered in the village’s land acquisition gazetted in June last year.

Resident Hazlina Churai Mee, 52, who was born and raised in the housing area, moved to the transit house to make way for the development project.

Hazlina, who inherited two houses from her parents, expressed hope that the development project will no longer be disrupted.

“I was born and grew up here. Even after I got married, I lived here until now. I’ve since moved to a transit house.

“I saw the developer fulfil what had been promised.

“So I hope the project will be carried out as soon as possible. Stop the slander and let’s hope there will be no further delays,” she said.

Project delayed far too long

Elderly resident Hamidah Esa, 78, prays that the project runs smoothly.

“I’m old, I hope I’ll have time to see and live in the new house. I think the government has done the best for the people here,” she said.

Another resident, Raja Iskandar Raja Abdul Hamid, said he wanted better quality and sustainable living conditions.

“All this time I’ve lived in an environment that is not very good, compared to the surrounding areas that have seen development. My purpose in agreeing to this development is to get better housing facilities for my future and my children’s.

“So I want this development to be completed as soon as possible because it has been delayed for a long time.

“There have been owners who passed away, parents and siblings who have died and did not have time to see the development.

“I don't think it can be delayed anymore,” he added.

Kg Sg Baru redevelopment: Don’t be cruel like past govt - Khalid

Electricity restored, Kg Sg Baru residents breathe sigh of relief

'They are not squatters, you turned them into one'

Kg Sungai Baru folk urged to discuss ‘new deal’ with existing developer

PM orders another extension on Kg Sungai Baru eviction