I REFER to the letter by Siti Nur Afiqah (NST, Dec 7) expressing her objection to Kampung Baru’s development plans.
It appears the writer has failed to appreciate what the government is doing for Kampung Baru — it is precisely what she is advocating for, which is to preserve Kampung Baru as a Malay heritage site while developing it for the benefit of the Malay land owners. The problem faced by Kampung Baru is the multiple ownership of its land and the Malay ownership restriction that has been the key constraint in its development.
Currently, Kampung Baru’s economy has been driven by Indonesian and Thai traders who have control over its food business. The majority of the original Malay families have been driven out to the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur due to the high rentals and poor living conditions in the village.
If there is no intervention by the government, Kampung Baru’s economy and situation will deteriorate further. Multiple ownership of land problems will continue to be the main obstacle in its development.
Faced with multiple and untraced owners, banks will not be attracted to finance development in Kampungg Baru. In this situation, how can the enclave be developed into a tourist attraction and which party will undertake to preserve its Malay heritage?
To drive its value upward, Kampung Baru inevitably must follow its neighbouring areas in developing hotels, office spaces and shopping complexes.
For that purpose, the government must intervene to amalgamate lands and to sustain confidence in all stakeholders. A
neglected Kampung Baru will have a disastrous effect on the rest of Kuala Lumpur and the nation.
ARRIFFIN MANSOR
Kuala Lumpur