Titiwangsa MP Johari Ghani has called on developers to build affordable housing for the Malays in Kampung Sungai Baru, saying the land was bequeathed by the Selangor sultan to the community during the colonial era.
He said developers must ensure that the Malays and other original occupants of the land are able to purchase the units at a reasonable price.
“The issue surrounding Kampung Sungai Baru’s redevelopment has become chronic, and I do not want the matter prolonged further.
“Since the matter has progressed and likely cannot be reversed, the developers must take the responsibility of ensuring that the Malays will be able to afford the homes to be built there,” he said.
Earlier today, Dang Wangi police chief Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman was reported to have sustained injuries during a stand-off with residents, amid the enforcement of scheduled evictions.
Harian Metro reported that Sulizmie suffered a bloodied face during a scuffle. Three people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi later said Johari, in his capacity as the elected representative in the area, would be tasked with resolving the long-standing issue.
Expressing regret over the injury sustained by Sulizmie, Johari condemned as irresponsible the developers’ decision to invoke legal measures to forcibly evict 14 homeowners from the enclave.
He also expressed regret that none of the ministers from previous administrations had looked into the matter during their tenure in office.
“This is the result – irresponsible developers have ignored the interests of the Malays as a whole in land that in actual fact belongs to the Malays.”
Johari said he will be meeting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa to ensure that only Malays would be allowed to purchase homes in the area.
“Historically, this land belongs to the Malays so only they should be allowed to purchase what is built.
“If there are no Malays who want to buy homes here, the developers will just have to wait,” he said.
