THE price offered by the government for Kg Baru land can be lower than other commercial areas so long as it retains its Malay identity and ownership, said activists and researchers.

They warned that demanding a higher price will result in Kg Baru remaining underdeveloped.

Majlis Perundingan Melayu (MPM), a Malay community watchdog, said residents must understand Kg Baru’s special status, and strive to keep its legacy.

MPM’s Che Ibrahim Che Idris said the commercial value of the area is different from other “hotspots”, such as land in Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang.

Mass development is difficult to bring to Kg Baru due to its numerous owners and sub-lots, he said, adding that only the government can bring together all the owners and undertake development.

“The objective is to get the right price, but it is unfair to ask for prices comparable to KLCC.”

Last week, Putrajaya offered landowners RM850 psf in return for equity in Kg Baru’s development, which the government assured will retain the area’s Malay identity.

Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad had said about 90% of the landowners agreed to accept the government’s offer price.

However, some quarters have criticised Putrajaya, saying the land is actually worth RM2,000 psf.

In response, Khalid said there is nothing preventing these parties from making an offer of their own.

Some residents and landowners have said they want between RM1,500 and RM3,000 psf.

Che Ibrahim said it is unfair to demand such a high price, warning that it could lead to Kg Baru not seeing development at all.

“Malay reserve land must be seen as such, to be developed for Malays, not like it is free commercial land.”

At the same time, he said, the government must give an assurance that property and land ownership in Kg Baru remains in Malay hands, especially after the area is developed.

“Will they open the new projects to everyone? This is what we want to know.”

He added that Kg Baru folk must be adequately compensated if they have to make way for such projects.

“The land must be valued accordingly, and they must be given proper compensation, either in the form of money or assets. Some landowners have up to 200 descendants.

“With the price offered, each would receive just RM10,000. They might feel it is too low and would rather let the land be as it is.”

He pointed to the Sg Penchala Malay reserve land, which has been left underdeveloped while its surrounding areas went up and were taken over by non-Malays.

Putrajaya should not allow residents to just build bungalows on their land, said Che Ibrahim.

“There will be a rich-poor and geopolitical divide on Malay reserve land and its surrounding areas.

“We might find 250 non-Muslim families in a condominium on an acre of land, compared to only four Malay families on a plot of the same size on Malay reserve land.”

Engineering, technology and built environment academic Mohd Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi suggested that Kg Baru be developed in the style of Raudhah City, an urban “Islamic city” project in Cyberjaya.

This will ensure Kg Baru has a high commercial value, and at the same time, retains its Malay identity, he said.

“The development of Kg Baru must see good returns for Malays in the long run. It should be developed like Raudhah City.”

Following the Raudhah City model will bring long-term benefits for Kg Baru residents – more than the RM3,000 psf some are seeking now.

“The government’s offer price is okay. Look at the kind of development that can benefit Malays in the future,” said Tajuddin.

“If there are shoplots, give priority to Kg Baru folk to own them and do business.” – October 3, 2019.