KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has put on hold a contentious redevelopment project in Kg Sg Baru, according to a message circulated to residents there by his political secretary.
The message, sent by Azman Abidin, stated that Anwar has ordered for the project to be postponed “for a month or until a date to be confirmed” so as to hold negotiations with residents and stakeholders.
“(The postponement) is so that talks can be held with residents and other vested parties (to come to a) solution on issues raised by certain quarters,” stated the message, which was received by residents today.
Speaking to The Vibes, Azman confirmed the project’s postponement, adding that Anwar had first revealed the decision during a meeting on Federal Territories held on December 22. The Prime Minister’s Department now oversees federal territory matters.
“(Anwar) announced during the meeting that the (Kg Sg Baru redevelopment) project should be postponed to allow further discussions with affected residents,” Azman said when contacted.
He added that the meeting was attended by Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.
On December 20, The Vibes reported that some residents were up in arms after receiving eviction letters containing a notice indicating that the government has taken formal possession of their land through the Land Acquisition Act 1960 (LAA).
However, Azman’s message to residents does not mention whether there is any change to the eviction date, purportedly the middle of this month.
Titiwangsa MP Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani had subsequently promised to appoint a lawyer to assist residents who had moved out prior to the enforcement of the LAA and were promised new units after the project’s completion.
Kg Sg Baru residents’ tribulations can be traced back to 2016, when private developer Ritzy Gloss Sdn Bhd sought to develop a colossal multi-billion ringgit mixed-development project in the area.
In exchange for their property, Ritzy Gloss promised owners a number of brand new units in the new development, subject to the size of residents’ land.
After close to half a decade of negotiations, during which Ritzy Gloss had failed to convince more than 100 landowners, the company applied for the LAA.
Their bid was subsequently approved by then Federal Territories minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa. – The Vibes, January 13, 2023
