KUALA LUMPUR – Federal Territories Amanah chief Khalid Abdul Samad has chastised government-linked entity Kg Baru Development Corporation (KBDC) for allegedly favouring a private property developer over the well-being of Kg Sg Baru residents.
Residents of the Malay enclave have faced water and electricity supply cuts to facilitate a redevelopment project, which includes luxury condominiums, commercial units, and apartment blocks spearheaded by Ritzy Gloss Sdn Bhd.
During a press conference, a visibly frustrated Khalid, a former federal territories minister, expressed his disappointment over the supply cuts, accusing KBDC of failing in its mandate to protect residents.
“I am deeply troubled by KBDC’s role (in the Kg Sg Baru redevelopment saga), as it looks like they have higher regards for the developer instead of landowners,” Khalid said.
“How can they (residents) be treated like this? (KBDC) was established to protect residents’ welfare, not private companies. Instead, it has cut residents’ water and electricity supply, thus effectively chasing them out of their own homes.
“There are elderly bed-ridden residents and young children living in the homes here. (KBDC) cannot claim it has no knowledge of residents’ concerns as they have voiced out to various agencies multiple times. It knows the wrongs being committed here, and it is allowing it.”
He also criticised the Perikatan Nasional administration’s use of the Land Acquisition Act (LAA) 1960, which allowed the then-government to take formal possession of the land in 2021, arguing that it has done more harm than good.
“The government should not have been involved in this issue as it’s a private development, but when (former federal territories minister) Tan Sri Annuar Musa used the LAA, the government became a main player,” he said.
“As such, the government must now take responsibility and defend residents, (as) the use of the LAA has weakened landowners’ position to negotiate with the developer for fair compensation since their own land no longer belongs to them.
“Landowners here are now regarded as squatters because of the LAA usage. Yet, the federal territories minister, the prime minister, and even the KBDC CEO won’t listen to residents or respond to their concerns… Is it because they think residents don’t have rights anymore?”
Referencing past meetings with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Khalid urged the prime minister to ensure fair compensation for landowners, noting the significant disparity between private land evaluations and those conducted by the Valuation and Property Services Department.
Despite being part of the ruling government, Khalid felt compelled to voice his dissatisfaction with how the Kg Sg Baru issue is being handled.
“As part of the ruling government, I rarely voice out my dissatisfaction with actions taken by the government, but in this case, I have no choice.”
Previously, Khalid had questioned developer Ritzy Gloss’ urgency in evicting residents without obtaining a development order.
However, despite assurances that utilities would not be cut until the project started, the electricity supply has been cut, surprising the remaining residents.
Kg Sg Baru, located near the Saloma Link Bridge and the Kg Baru LRT station, consists of 98 leasehold terrace houses and 264 flat units. While a portion of residents accepted the developer’s offer, many continue to oppose the redevelopment plans
On May 23, Scoop reported that the Kg Sg Baru redevelopment saga might be edging closer to a conclusion as Ritzy Gloss intends to push forward with demolition plans in the locality. – June 11, 2024
