I am ‘hero’ who delayed Kg Baru land acquisition: Shahidan

KUALA LUMPUR – Following a fiery debate in Parliament’s special chambers today, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (Arau-BN) announced that the forced land acquisition in Kg Baru has been delayed.

Shahidan explained that five years ago, the developer Ritzy Gloss Sdn Bhd was invited by the Kg Baru Landowners Association to present their plans for redeveloping the area involving owners of 328 parcels of land there.

Residents were offered replacement homes ranging from RM880,000 to RM2.7 million in value.

However, Shahidan said only 66.77% of landowners were willing to go ahead with the agreement, while the remaining parcels of land were planned to be acquired using the Land Acquisition Act 1960.

“But before this matter has come to an end, the honourable Shah Alam tried to be a hero. Actually, I am the hero because I stopped the acquisition which was supposed to take place on December 21 this month.

“I have already informed the director-general of the Land Department to delay (the acquisition) to next year so I can renegotiate with the residents and the developer,” Shahidan said.

Furthermore, the minister assured that paying landowners directly is still an option if the recommendation to give Kg Baru residents replacement homes proves less than feasible.

Before Shahidan took the floor, Khalid Samad (Shah Alam-PH) accused the Federal Territories Ministry of favouritism towards the developer, who he contends is taking advantage of the poor Bumiputera residents of Kg Baru.

Khalid emphasised that urban redevelopment is very much welcome, but the interests of the Kg Baru landowners should be the priority of the ministry.

He added that when the Pakatan Harapan (PH) was in government, they allowed residents to negotiate with the developer while the Federal Territories Ministry took a supervisory role.

“I see that the current government is more excited with the prospect of helping developers to the point where they are willing to use the Land Acquisition Act, which purpose is to be used for national interest.

“As mentioned by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri before, the acquisition legislation can’t be used to redevelop Kg Baru,” Khalid said.

Meanwhile, Fahmi Fadzil (Lembah Pantai-PH) took the opportunity to highlight gaps in existing legislation concerning redevelopment and urged the government to enact new laws to overcome these issues.

Among other things, Fahmi mentioned that there must be some sort of legal provision to determine when redevelopment projects can proceed.

“What we need are laws for redevelopment. Say the majority of strata owners agree to redevelopment, then go ahead.

“What we have in Kuala Lumpur now is like the law of the jungle. Without a proper legal framework, there would be misunderstandings,” Fahmi said.  – The Vibes, December 13, 2021