Booth stops: Johari visiting booths during the Citrawarna Kampung Baru 2025 celebration in Kuala Lumpur. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Authorities must continue to ensure no immoral activities are being carried out in spas operating around the city, says Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
The Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, who is also Titiwangsa MP, said monitoring must occur so that no spa operator dares to act excessively beyond the actual purpose of the business.
“We must monitor the issues so that they do not happen again,” he said after launching Citrawarna Kampong Baru 2025, in conjunction with the 125th anniversary of Kampung Baru.
On Nov 28, 201 men were detained during a joint enforcement operation at a wellness centre along Jalan Raja Laut after authorities suspected the premises were being used for illicit activities.
The men, aged between 19 and 60, were picked up in a raid involving Kuala Lumpur police, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi).
On another matter, Johari said the developer responsible for redeveloping Kampung Sungai Baru must prioritise the construction of two apartment blocks that were previously promised to residents, and they must be completed within the promised timeframe.
He said some residents had already vacated their original homes but claimed they had yet to receive the compensation due to them.
“Residents expect the houses as compensation but when the houses are not completed, problems arise,” he said.
Johari said there were claims by residents that when they signed the redevelopment agreement for Kampung Sungai Baru, it was with one company but it is understood that the company had sold part of its interest to a new developer.
“That is also among issues being examined, what will happen if the project is not completed, who should be held responsible, whether it is the original company or the new developer, as stipulated in the agreement signed eight years ago,” he said.
On Nov 30, then Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the redevelopment of Kampung Sungai Baru.
Johari also said that Kampung Baru should capitalise on its rich Malay culture and heritage and shift the focus away from any negative perceptions, such as the Kampung Sungai Baru issue.
“We, the children of Kampung Baru, must ensure the area is clean, where each landowner places emphasis on cleanliness and landscaping. We must also ensure safety and ensure no unhealthy activities take place here,” he said.
Non-governmental organisations should also carry out programmes in Kampung Baru, especially with Visit Malaysia 2026 approaching.
