Najib proposes a win-win development plan for Kg Baru

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has announced the redevelopment of Kampung Baru in the heart of the city under a concept which, among other things, does not require relocation of the residents or land owners.

He said the residents and land owners would have the right to determine the type of development in accordance with their requirements.

The Government also proposed to set up a special body run by a Government trustee without private sector participation so that Kampung Baru residents would be assured of their interests, he said.

"I hope that after we have put forward a good proposal, the residents here will have the opportunity to study it and concept to be applied. I hope after that, the residents, particularly the land owners, can accept the proposal," he told reporters after attending a briefing at Kuala Lumpur City Hall and going on a walkabout in Kampung Baru on Saturday.

Najib said Federal Territories and Urban Well-being Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin had been asked to prepare a Cabinet paper on the redevelopment and that he would hold a dialogue with the residents after the Cabinet approves the paper.

Najib gave the assurance that the Government would launch the redevelopment immediately after getting the agreement of the residents, and that this concept of development would overcome all restrictions which had kept the land value low in the area.

He said the value of land in the area could exceed RM20bil if the residents accepted the redevelopment concept which would realise the full potential of Kampung Baru.

The value of land in Kampung Baru is only around RM350 per square foot when that in nearby areas such as the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) exceeded RM2,000.

"With the conversion of the land status, the land owners in Kampung Baru will enjoy a huge shift in terms the value of the land they owned.

"A new era for Kampung Baru will begin as soon as the residents accept the government proposal," he said.

Elaborating on the special body, Najib said it would be a dedicated one with the participation of certain organisations determined by the Government to undertake redevelopment full time.

"We do not want Kampung Baru to represent a squatter or slum area when the surrounding areas have developed with modern buildings and such.

"I wish to see Kampung Baru residents evolve into a modern society which garners high value for the land owned. This is the desire of the Government," he said.

The residents of Kampung Baru applauded as they heard the news of the redevelopment announced by Najib over the public address system.

Najib said the redevelopment would retain the Malay cultural elements and legacy of the area to reflect a unique image.

Replying to a question, Najib said the redevelopment plans had provisions for skyscrapers, condominiums, shopping malls and housing, as well as business opportunities for Bumiputera traders.

The 110-year-old Kampung Baru enclave, spreading over 90ha, has 35,000 residents in seven villages. The number of land owners is about 1,000.

Najib also announced an allocation of RM2mil to renovate two blocks of 17-storey PKNS flats in Kampung Baru after he saw their poor condition during his walkabout. - BERNAMA