QuickCheck: Did the FT Minister break his promise of engaging Kampung Baru developers and landowners?

THERE have been allegations that Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim did not meet with developers and landowners of Kampung Sungai Baru, Kampung Baru before land acquisition began. Is this true?

Verdict:

FALSE

Kampung Bharu Development Corporation (PKB), in a statement on Friday (Jan 7), said that Shahidan had met with landowners on Dec 1 at Menara 1, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, while the meeting with the developer was held on Dec 8, to resolve land acquisition issues there.

“As a result of the meetings, the Federal Territories Minister asked the developer to review its offer or package so that a better one could be offered to Kampung Sungai Baru landowners to help them obtain a house and cash,” said PKB.

The PKB said that on Dec 10, the developer agreed to provide a new “Harmony Package” offer to flat unit owners whose compensation had been decided by the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Lands and Mines director-general’s department during the land acquisition investigation session.

“The Harmony Package offers a 900 sq ft residential unit worth RM300,000, with half of the compensation received by the flat owners for land acquisition to be returned to the developer.

“For example, landowners receiving land acquisition compensation worth RM250,000 can own this package at just RM125,000,” the statement said.

The statement added that the Harmony Package residence would have three bedrooms, two bathrooms as well as one parking lot while the package for terrace house owners would be offered during the land acquisition investigation to be held later.

The Kampung Baru redevelopment project is expected to take 10 years and it will be implemented in stages to ensure the developer’s cash flow can cover the implementation of development for subsequent plots during that period, the statement said.