KUALA LUMPUR – Former Federal Territories minister Khalid Samad has accused the government of placing the interests of a developer above those of the people via the use of the Land Acquisition Act 1960.
Speaking about the situation faced by residents of Kg Sg Baru here, he questioned the government’s decision to use the act after five years of failed negotiations between the majority of residents and developer Ritzy Gloss Sdn Bhd.
“Why is the government so friendly with the developer to the point of using the act when owners do not agree?" he said during a press conference outside the Kg Sg Baru Rukun Tetangga hall here today.
As the act allows land to be lawfully acquired for the construction of public facilities (hospitals/schools), the mining of natural resources, and economic development, Khalid said that the government’s use of the act for a privately owned commercial project sets a dangerous precedent.
A stone's throw away from the picturesque Saloma Link, residents of Kg Sg Baru are faced with the bleak prospect of eviction in order to make way for a mixed development.
The deal currently offered by the developer includes an apartment unit in a block of flats that will be built at the edge of the Kg Sg Baru boundary, a nominal figure of RM15,000 for accommodation while under construction, and a lump sum compensation calculated on a per square foot basis.
According to Khalid, some residents that agreed to the deal were given approximately RM200,000 in compensation.
“Where in Kuala Lumpur can you buy a house at that price? Even Rumawip (the Federal Territories affordable housing plan) houses start at RM300,000!”
He went on to say that the compensation given to residents must lead to an upgrade in their quality of life, instead of the current amount offered, which he said will result in a significant downgrade.
The Shah Alam MP also called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to make this issue his “pet project” as the latter frequently raised the issue in Parliament during his stint as opposition leader from 2018 to 2020.
“This is one of the few Malay enclaves in the city, 100% Malay residents, and then you chase them out?” said Khalid, adding “and all this while you say you’re fighting for the Malays”. – The Vibes, April 16, 2022
