KUALA LUMPUR: Unverified postings on social media platforms is causing confusion among Kampung Baru landowners, their heirs as well as public on the government’s plans to redevelop the land.
Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad is hopeful that after the Kampung Baru Development Corporation (PKB) has concluded its briefing sessions with the landowners, they will get a clearer picture, thus allowing them to make informed decisions.
When it was established on April 1, 2012, PKB was entrusted with the responsibility of being the coordinator, facilitator and prime mover in the redevelopment of Kampung Baru.
“To date PKB has received feedback from more than 40 per cent of landowners,” he said.
It was reported that this figure represents some 2,200 of the 5,374 landowners.
“Of those who had returned the (feedback) forms, 97 per cent agreed to sell their land,” he said.
Khalid said other issues also needed to be addressed as many landowners were still confused over what the government intended to do with the prime land located in the heart of the city.
“We want to explain this to another 60 per cent of landowners and the final decision will be up to them,” he said.
“In social media postings, allegations have been thrown about and this has led to much confusion, such as the position of the Malays in Kampung Baru and that selling the land amounted to them being ejected.
“As such the (social media postings said the) Malays must stand up for their rights,” he said.
Khalid clarified that the position of the Malays would not be jeopardised because after the land was redeveloped, it would be sold back to the Malays.
“At times, social media platforms carry baseless accusations, and jeopardise the understanding of the owners over the matter, so they do not want to be part of the project,” he said.
Khalid is nevertheless confident that all Kampung Baru landowners will eventually agree to the government’s offer, as this is the best that they can get.
The government has offered to pay RM1,000 per sq ft for the land.
“After June, I hope when PKB is done with their rounds, even if the landowners want to reject the offer, let it be (done) with a clear understanding,” he said.
“What we don’t want is that they are rejecting due to confusion that arose from what they read on social media platforms,” he said.
Khalid said the issues that the Malays were concerned about included changes to the Malay reserve land status and they were scared if they sell their land, they would have nothing left as that is their only inheritance.
“Actually by development, the (land) potential of owners would grow.
“They can own more ... for example from one (land) lot, they can break it down into smaller individual lots for up to 20 or 30 affordable houses,” he said.
Land also said in redeveloping Kampung Baru, it was not about the government wanting to buy the land and eliminate the Malays.
“We want to develop this (Kampung Baru) so they would also reap the benefits from the development,” he said.
Khalid said this after presenting offer letters to fire victims from Kampung Kovil Hilir.
The fire on Dec 20, saw 13 families lose their homes.
The offer letters were for a six-month stay at City Hall’s public housing or People’s Housing Projects.
“The victims will stay at the transit houses for six months,” he said, adding that it would be rent-free for the first three months.
In addition, families will receive RM500 in aid from the Federal Territories Foundation while singles will receive RM300.
Families with schoolgoing children will receive a RM120 voucher each and schoolbags.