Dr M urges RM3k per square foot compensation for Kg Sg Baru residents

Summary

• Dr Mahathir Mohamad calls for Kampung Sungai Baru residents to be compensated with RM3,000 per square foot.

• He says this is so residents can enjoy returns on valuable land - located close to KLCC - sold cheaply.

• The former prime minister also says the residents must also be provided with business opportunities once developments are concluded.

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad called for Kampung Sungai Baru residents to be compensated with RM3,000 per square foot.

During a press conference held at a house after his walkabout in the urban village today, he said the residents do not disagree with development, but it must be done fairly.

"I think RM3,000 is an appropriate price," he said.

This is so that the residents can enjoy returns on the valuable land that they had sold for a cheaper price, he explained.

Kampung Sungai Baru is located within the city centre, with a view of the famed Kuala Lumpur Tower.

Using Bukit Bintang as a comparison, the former premier claimed that a square foot of land there could go for as high as RM7,000.

In December, former federal territories minister Khalid Abdul Samad told The Vibes that the developer had offered compensation of between RM1,500 and RM1,800 per square foot to those who agreed to its terms.

Those who disagreed were offered RM450 to RM600 per square foot.

According to the report, development began in 2016 with the approval of 260 residents but could not continue as 37 villagers opposed it.

The developer then went on to use the Land Acquisition Act 1960 to acquire the land.

Business opportunities

Mahathir also said development should include business opportunities for the residents.

"I am of the opinion that the income of residents here is low. Because of that, business opportunities must be provided.

"Development must also include shop lots that they can rent to conduct businesses so they can receive a higher return that they can use to afford life in a developed area," he said.

However, he said he was unable to help the villagers beyond speaking up for them.

"If I speak wrongly, the police will call me," he said.

During the press conference, the residents requested Mahathir's aid, including using his lawyer for the court case over the issue. However, Mahathir kept silent at the request.

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