THE Chap Goh Meh celebration at Kampung Lee Kong Chian, Kuala Lumpur, was bittersweet as it was set to be the last such event at the village.
Residents of the 99-year-old village in Setapak, the city’s sole private Chinese village, have been told to relocate as the land has been sold to a private company.
Established in 1927, the village was originally built as quarters for staff of the Lee Rubber Group’s factory.
Kampung Lee Kong Chian chief Tan Lai Kee said the village, which had 230 households, was home to mostly descendants of the original factory workers.
“We were informed last year that we would need to relocate as the land had been sold.
“The houses here were built with formal approval from the original landowner.
“We are not illegal squatters,” the village chief stressed, adding that notices had reached more than half the village.
“About 146 households have received relocation notices and will need to move out by September.
“We understand that residents here will eventually need to move, but we are hoping to obtain units under the People’s Housing Project (PPR) as replacement housing,” said Tan.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Lo Su Fui announced a RM10,000 contribution for the Chap Goh Meh event.
“The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh is unable to attend due to official duties.
“I am representing her tonight and am pleased to provide this allocation for the dinner,” he said during his speech.
“As for the relocation, I will bring this matter back to the Federal Territories Department to explore how we can best provide assistance,” Lo added.
The “Chinese Valentine’s Day” festivities took place at the village’s basketball court which was decorated with rows of red lanterns, while a lion dance troupe welcomed visitors at the entrance.
The night continued with a series of performances, including music from a Chinese orchestra.
Village residents also presented Chinese New Year red packets to 150 senior citizens aged over 70.
Also present at the event were Wangsa Maju MP Zahir Hassan, Wangsa Maju MCA division chairman Datuk Ng How Doo and former Kuala Lumpur Advisory Board member Andre Lai.
