KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 — The government will press ahead with the redevelopment of Kampung Sungai Baru, emphasising that the majority of residents have already agreed to the project, while those unhappy with compensation packages can pursue legal avenues.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said 72 per cent of residents have given their consent, and the government’s priority is to deliver long-awaited housing upgrades after nearly nine years of delay.
“We must put ourselves in the shoes of these residents. If you have waited nine years, how would you feel?
“That is why the government, under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is taking responsibility to resolve this issue once and for all,” she said at a special press conference here today.
Dr Zaliha noted that while some residents remain dissatisfied, their main concern lies with the compensation offered, not the redevelopment itself.
“If they are still unhappy, then there is a process through the courts. That process must be followed,” she said.
She added that allegations of “gentrification” or attempts to displace Malays from the city were baseless, stressing that affected families will be able to return to modern homes in the same area once the project is completed.
“This is about uplifting their lives, giving them more comfortable homes in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Surely, we want to see our own people, especially the Malays, enjoy better living standards in the city,” she said.
Dr Zaliha also noted that yesterday’s provocations on the issue were not mainly from residents but from outside parties attempting to politicise the matter.
She maintained that the government’s role is to facilitate the redevelopment and ensure residents can return to their village with improved living conditions.
“All of them will be future millionaires. Shouldn’t we feel proud when our people become millionaires? We should feel proud,” she said.
