KAMPUNG Sungai Baru residents have urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to help resolve their longstanding problems with the sale of their land for redevelopment.

Kampung Sungai Baru action committee head Lele Suzana said she and former Federal Territories minister Khalid Samad met Anwar yesterday over the matter.

Lele said the prime minister was responsive to their plight.

“Anwar told us that if it’s about the value of the land, he could help,” she said at the Kampung Sungai Baru Rukun Tetangga today.

The issue of land acquisition in the area started in 2016 when the developer, Ritzy Gloss Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Suez Capital Sdn Bhd, offered to develop the area via a joint venture with the residents.

Lele said that what the residents want is for their property to get fair compensation. 

“The Property Management and Valuation Department (JPPH) had assessed the Malay reserve in 2018/2019 at a rate of RM850 per 0.09sq m at the time. 

“However, in 2021, JPPH assessed land with ‘international commercial’ status at a rate of RM450 per 0.09sq m.”

She said the value is not commensurate with the land’s location in the heart of the capital.

“Until now, no official has come forward to give a reasonable answer (on land value). 

Lele said that 37 terrace house owners and 72 flat owners are seeking compensation at a reasonable rate and urged all property owners not to sign any deals with a developer until they are assured of a suitable price.  

She said several companies have expressed their willingness pay RM950 per 0.09sq m to all property owners, terraces and flats.

“There is a new developer who is willing pay cash to owners who are interested, but we are not signing any deals yet until proper compensation is decided upon.”

“We will be contacting Anwar’s officer this week to get an update on our discussion.

“We hope Anwar will make a decision soon,” said Lele.

On February 4, more than 260 residents sent a memorandum to the prime minister for him to intervene on the matter.

Redevelopment began in 2016 with the consent of 260 villagers, but the project could not proceed as 37 residents were against it.

The residents had tried to get then prime minister’s Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s help to resolve the matter. – November 8, 2023.