Three-month reprieve for remaining residents

Many residents in Kampung Sungai Baru have moved out of their units at the PKNS scheme. – Filepic

THE remaining 37 homeowners in Kampung Sungai Baru, Kuala Lumpur, who were supposed to move out of their homes by July 31 to make way for redevelopment, have been given a three-month extension until Oct 31.

A Kampung Baru Development Corporation (PKB) spokesperson said the deadline was extended at the request of residents, some of whom had yet to find alternative accommodation.

The residents were asked to vacate their homes for the redevelopment of Kampung Sungai Baru under Section 8 of the Land Acquisition Act 1960. PKB initiated the action on June 21, 2021.

The land acquisition involved 72 units of PKNS flats, 37 terrace houses and one TNB substation.

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Compensation payments of between RM198,000 and RM350,000 for the flats’ owners were paid in stages starting February 2022, in accordance with the Land Acquisition Act 1960.

It was previously reported that out of the total 219 flats and landed property owners, 67% (192 flats and 27 terrace house owners) had agreed to a joint venture (JV) proposal by the project developer.

“There are still residents who have not found an alternative place to stay, so we have extended the deadline.

“Residents have to sign a “Surat Aku Janji” (pledge letters) and submit it before Aug 30 to enable the extension.

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“Legal action will be taken against those who refuse to sign the pledge letters and they will be treated as trespassers thereafter,” said the spokesperson.

The land where their houses are located is PKB leasehold and 60% has been earmarked for a mixed redevelopment project.

The first phase of the project involves the construction of a condominium tower with modern facilities.

The flats and terrace house owners who signed the JV with the developer will move into these units when completed.

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PKB is also working with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to offer units for rental at Residensi Sungai Udang in Segambut at RM850 per month for residents involved in the land acquisition exercise.

“Residents who are interested in renting the units must complete the necessary forms and submit them to us before Aug 30,” the spokesperson said, adding that the residents were informed of the offer on July 25.

PKB said the number of owners who agreed to the redevelopment went up by 89% after the issuance of a legal notice by the Federal Territories Land and Mines Office (PPTGWP).

As for the remaining 37 homeowners, the land acquisition has been postponed until the deadline expires on Oct 31.