Kampung Baru Community Outraged Over Redevelopment Plans That Offer Compensation Of RM200K

By Jasmine Qistina  •  08 Dec 2021 in News

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Kampung Baru is one of Kuala Lumpur’s oldest neighborhoods. Yet, some of its residents are now expected to move due to new planned redevelopment involving the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) flats and houses. This redevelopment involves building on currently owned private land. 

Sebahagian penduduk berkumpul untuk menyatakan rasa tidak puas selepas mereka diminta berpindah dan diberikan nilai pampasan yang rendah membabitkan kawasan flat dan rumah teres di Kampung Sungai Baru, Kampung Baru. pic.twitter.com/JufLKOGld5

— Malaysia Gazette (@MalaysiaGazette) December 4, 2021

A compensation of RM200,000 to RM250,000 was afforded to Sungai Bari flat residents, many of whom feel they are being lowballed.

One resident, Zalaha Yusof, 63 was quoted in Sinar Harian saying, “How are we expected to find a house in Kuala Lumpur with a payout less than RM250,000? Maybe outside of the city it’s possible but I would have to travel very far to my hospital.”

According to Sinar Harian, disgruntled residents have been vocal on their objection to the payout and want the government to intervene. Residents have also been videoed and photographed by Malaysia Gazette protesting this move.

Wilayah Persekutuan Menteri, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim has publicly stated that the payout amount is to be revised. “If residents are unhappy with the amount, they should lodge a formal complaint to my offices not social media,” he said.

Allegedly, up to 70% of homeowners in the area have agreed to the redevelopment and given their signatures. However, many still feel their homes are being undervalued. Syed Salehuddin Syed Abdullah who is the Chairman of the Kampung Sungai Baru Community Association, said to Harian Metro that some were skeptical towards the deal as it might not favor the residents.

“As many as 30% of residents who rejected the developer’s offer five years ago felt that the deal was allegedly biased. The developers came to bargain to move elsewhere, but their deal was biased and there was no black and white. If the company goes bankrupt, we can’t do anything.

Many netizens have chimed in on the issue across social media, citing the unfair terms of the agreement. One tweet said,

Residents are still awaiting the outcome of the redevelopment program as this issue is ongoing.