A total of RM62.57 million in compensation has so far been paid to landowners and stakeholders involved in the Kampung Sungai Baru redevelopment project.-NSTP/ AHMAD UKASYAH
PUTRAJAYA: A total of RM62.57 million in compensation has so far been paid to landowners and stakeholders involved in the Kampung Sungai Baru redevelopment project.
Perbadanan Pembangunan Kampong Bharu (PKB) chief executive officer Dr Khairul Nizam Othman said the amount was determined by the Federal Territory Director of Lands and Mines Office (JKPTG WPKL) in accordance with the First Schedule of the Land Acquisition Act 1960, which sets out the principles for calculating payments to affected parties.
“The compensation covers several elements, including property value, maintenance or improvement costs, relocation expenses, temporary rental costs, loss of income, hearing attendance costs, valuation fees, and others.
“The land acquisition proceedings were carried out by JKPTG WPKL based on legal requirements and established procedures,” he said during a presentation at a special press conference on the Kampung Sungai Baru project.
Khairul Nizam said the compensation covered elements such as property value, maintenance, improvements, relocation expenses, temporary rental costs, loss of income, attendance costs for hearings, valuation fees and other related matters.
He said flat owners affected by the land acquisition were also offered the opportunity to purchase a reasonably priced replacement home.
This involved a 900sq ft unit valued at RM300,000, which could be bought at half the price of the compensation they received.
“For example, an owner who received RM250,000 in compensation could purchase the ‘Harmony Package’ unit at RM125,000.
“This offer was made by the developer on May 16, 2022, and a total of 11 flat owners have accepted it,” he said.
As of now, 72 per cent or 236 of the 328 property owners have agreed to the redevelopment plan, while the remaining 28 per cent continue to reject it.
He said the remaining owners who have yet to agree were mainly dissatisfied with compensation matters.
“The impact of this project will increase property ownership among Malays and Bumiputeras, thereby strengthening the local community’s holdings.
“It also provides an opportunity for those who accept the offer to own property worth over RM1 million, with some already receiving compensation exceeding RM1 million,” he said.
Discussions on Kampung Sungai Baru’s redevelopment began in 2016 with negotiations running until 2020. This was followed by land acquisition and approvals, which were finalised in 2021.
However, problems began when a minority group expressed dissatisfaction with the developer’s joint venture (JV) agreement and compensation.
Some residents have since refused to vacate the area, affecting the redevelopment work.
Source: New Straits Times
