KUALA LUMPUR: A majority of Kampung Baru locals has agreed that the area needs redevelopment but expressed disappointment with the price offered by the government for their land.
At a town hall session with Federal Territories Minister Khalid Samad yesterday, some residents said the offer of RM850 per sq ft was too low and it should be readjusted to at least RM1,000 psf.
They said otherwise, the residents would be forced to reject the offer. One of them is Mohd Izwan Zakaria, 38, who questioned the assessment done by the Valuation and Property Services Department.
“Where is the report (on the department’s findings)? As the landowner, we have the right to know the details. We want a document for us to consider the offer.
“That is the normal process that takes place for any sales and purchase offer. Our government always emphasises transparency. It has to walk the talk.”
Government retiree, Siti Zakiah Othman, 66, suggested the offer should include recompensation elements.
“I moved out (from Kampung Baru) after getting married but my sister and brother are still there. Our house in Jalan Hamzah is in a deplorable state after the completion of an MRT station nearby.
“We want development in Kampung Baru. But I hope the government will consider adjusting the price to at least RM1,000 psf,” she told the New Sunday Times.
Baharuddin Abdul Karim, 55, said he welcomed redevelopment plans but the offer made should take into account Kampung Baru’s prime location.
“If nearby areas such as the Kuala Lumpur City Centre can fetch up to RM5,000 psf, we should receive a better offer. We would be at about RM4,500 psf.
“Help us with our economy so that we can expand our businesses with the money, while those who are already in their 60s can retire and live comfortably.
“It wouldn’t be worthwhile if we settle with what the government is offering us, compared with the sacrifices that our forefathers have made for Kampung Baru.”
Zainal Idris, 73, said it was only acceptable if the rate offered was between RM1,200 and RM1,500 psf.
“I will reject the (redevelopment) plan if the offer does not match our requirement.”
The New Sunday Times had reported earlier that the authorities have gone full throttle, with Khalid making it his mission to solve the issues surrounding Kampung Baru’s redevelopment by year end.