‘KL’S KG BARU TO STAY IN MALAY HANDS’
It will continue to be developed as it is not a ‘squatter area’, says minister
THE ownership of land in Kampung Baru here will remain in Malay hands without disregarding the importance of development in the area, said Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
He said development would continue to take place in Kampung Baru to benefit the people.
“As long as there is a moon and stars in the sky, the land ownership will remain in Malay hands.
“This has already been enshrined in the agreement, as the land was bestowed by the sultan of Selangor 18 years ago.
“There are many who do not understand issues related to Kampung Baru, and resort to accusing the government of not developing the area.”
Johari said this after a ceremony to hand over Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) Baiti Jannati project houses in Kampung Baru on Friday.
Present was A. Sivanas, who is general manager of TNB Kuala Lumpur (customer support) distribution division.
TNB’s Baiti Jannati project, which began in 2007, is part of its corporate social responsibility to repair the homes of the needy.
As at April 11, 547 houses had been repaired nationwide, involving a cost of RM22.32 million.
Johari said the government had remained consistent in helping the people of Kampung Baru, but faced numerous challenges, including small lots and ownership-related issues.
“Many lots in Kampung Baru are small, making them difficult to be developed in the context of modern development.
“If there is an opportunity to merge the lots after obtaining the consent of land owners, I am certain that even more developers would be interested in developing the area.
“However, we will continue our efforts to develop the area so that it does not look like a ‘squatter area’, as claimed by some irresponsible quarters.”
Johari, who is also Titiwangsa member of parliament, said the opposition need not politicise the development of Kampung Baru as it did not fully understand the problems affecting the area.
“They (the opposition) only come here once every five years, and suddenly want to become the hero and teach us.
“I’d like to teach them a thing or two as well. Kampung Baru is not a squatter area.
“If it is a squatter area, it can be easily developed.
“This land has history, with inheritance involved.”