[UPDATED] Why is agency under govt representing developer in Kg Sg Baru: Khalid Samad

KUALA LUMPUR – Former Federal Territories minister Khalid Samad has taken the Kg Bharu Development Corporation (KBDC) to task, claiming that it conducted itself improperly by representing the property developer that is eyeing the area in a recent engagement session with residents of Kg Sg Baru.

He stressed that the corporation should have been on the side of the people instead.

The Shah Alam MP also alleged that KBDC chairman Datuk Affendi Zahari was declared bankrupt by the Shah Alam High Court on October 11 last year.  

“If he has been declared bankrupt, how is he still holding his position within the corporation?” Khalid, who is an Amanah lawmaker, asked.

“Is he in a desperate state because of his financial situation?” he added during a press conference outside the Kg Sg Baru Rukun Tetangga Hall here today.

Attempts are being made to reach Affendi, who is also Umno's Titiwangsa division chief, for comment.

The KBDC is an agency tasked with the responsibility over the development planning in the historic Malay enclave around Kg Baru. It was created by the KBDC Act 2011 with the mandate of “implementing policies, directives and strategies for the development of Kg Baru”. 

KBDC had last year published the Kg Baru Development Master Plan 2040 (KBDMP), a comprehensive guide to development in the area for the next 20 years.

Kg Sg Baru is adjacent to Kg Baru. Located a stone’s throw away from the iconic Saloma Link, Kg Sg Baru consists of seven blocks of low-cost flats and 98 terrace houses that sit on 5.23ha of leasehold, non-Malay Agricultural Settlement land.

In 2016, developer Ritzy Gloss Sdn Bhd entered into a memorandum of understanding with a Kg Sg Baru residents’ association (RA) to develop the area through joint venture agreements.

However, some locals claim that the RA in question – the Kg Sg Baru Property Owners Welfare Association – does not represent the interests of the majority of residents.

The KBDC had acted as a stand-in for the development company after the latter failed to show up for the session on June 7, leading to Khalid and disgruntled residents labelling the situation as being “improper and suspicious”.

Khalid claimed that the absence of a representative from the developer caused the session to be unfruitful and raised more questions than answers.

He also reiterated his criticism that the government is prioritising the interests of a developer over those of the people via the use of the Land Acquisition Act 1960.

As the KBDC Act allows land to be lawfully acquired for construction of public facilities (hospitals/schools), 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.

“Why is the government so eager to take people’s land and hand it over to the developer? We have not yet heard a satisfactory answer and the KBDC rushing to represent the developer complicates the situation.

“How can we attempt to reach a solution if the developer refuses to engage with us directly?”

Kg Sg Baru residents are faced with the bleak prospect of eviction in order to make way for a mixed development project.

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.

Khalid said that he has formed a committee consisting of lawyers who will look into what can be done to prevent the possible eviction of residents and the legality of the proceedings thus far.

He also called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to intervene in the matter.

He added that he will be filing a report to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), urging the agency to look into how Kg Sg Baru residents have possibly been wronged by the very people tasked with protecting their interests.

“It is not impossible that there are elements of impropriety since it appears as if the government is very enthusiastic to work with the developers at the expense of chasing residents out of their rightfully owned homes.

“Where are the heroes who claimed to fight for the betterment of the Malays in Kg Sg Baru?”

Previously, The Vibes spoke with some residents here who believed they are getting the short end of the stick, despite being promised new apartment units and a lump sum compensation based on the size of their existing properties.

They claimed that the accessibility of their homes, which are near public facilities, is something that Ritzy Gloss had failed to take into consideration and expressed concerns over possible medium-term effects the construction will have on their ability to do business.

The 310% difference in compensation offered by the Lands and Mines Office, as compared with private valuations, also has made flat residents livid. – The Vibes, June 12, 2022