13/09/2025

SATURDAY | SEPT 13, 2025

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‘Kg Sg Baru redevelopment blueprint for progress’

Majority support upgrading initiative, says minister

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Federal Territories Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said most Kampung Sungai Baru residents support the redevelopment project, but a small group of families continue to oppose it over the process and compensation, calling their objections a “tyranny of the minority”. Speaking at a press conference yesterday, she said 72% of residents agreed to the redevelopment, while 28% were resisting. She added that unrest during enforcement operations was not caused by residents. “I was informed that those who created disturbances were not from Kampung Sungai Baru but external parties who came to provoke (the situation). This is very troubling.” She also said the compulsory acquisition process began under the previous administration, with a Section 4 notice issued on June 18, 2021 and a Section 8 declaration gazetted three days later. “This did not begin with us. It started under the then-minister and now the Madani government has to resolve it.” She said families who agreed to relocate were not left to manage the process on their own, adding that developers have covered their rent until replacement homes are ready and most households have moved into temporary housing such as PPR Sri Aman and Residensi Sungai Udang. “Those who chose to relocate have had their rental costs borne by the developer. They will continue receiving assistance until the day they move into their new homes.” Zaliha acknowledged that the prolonged relocation process had taken a toll on the community. “It is heartbreaking that some residents passed away before receiving their promised houses, leaving their heirs to continue the process. “This is why I am determined to see this through, because their rights must be protected.” She rejected claims that the redevelopment amounted to gentrification, adding that residents would return to the village with improved housing. “I have seen the designs. This redevelopment would give them dignified living conditions and better facilities. There is no question of pushing them out of the city.” On compensation disputes, she said residents have the right to pursue legal avenues. “Residents told me they do not reject development. Their concern is compensation. If they remain dissatisfied, the courts are the proper channel.” She urged the public not to allow the issue to be manipulated.

PETALING JAYA: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia property economics and finance associate professor Dr Muhammad Najib Razali said the redevelopment of Kampung Sungai Baru is not a land grab or an eviction but a blueprint for progress. He said the project could give residents improved homes, better assets, modern infrastructure and wider economic opportunities, while preserving the cultural identity of the area. He added that the prized land in central Kuala Lumpur has been underutilised for decades, with ageing homes occupying a location of immense value. “The existing houses, many built generations ago, are an inefficient use of such prime land. “The approved high-rise mixed development would unlock greater value by consolidating fragmented parcels into one integrated project, with modern apartments, commercial spaces and community facilities, supported by upgraded roads, utilities and public spaces that benefit both residents and the city.” He said the project is not about uprooting communities but about reshaping Kuala Lumpur into a more sustainable and liveable hub. “It would boost much-needed density in the city, curb suburban sprawl, cut commute times and maximise infrastructure use. “This is about making Kuala Lumpur more efficient, not merely replacing old homes with new towers.” He also said what sets the redevelopment apart is its place within the Malay Reserve framework. Muhammad Najib said the area has long been designated a Malay Agricultural Settlement, with ownership restricted to the Malay community. “While the physical landscape would change, its cultural and communal Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com o Project not about uprooting communities but making KL more sustainable and liveable: Academic

identity remains intact. The framework guarantees that ownership stays within the community, allowing heritage to coexist with modernity and strengthening, rather than eroding, the Malay presence in the capital.” He added that the redevelopment lays a stronger foundation for intergenerational progress, enabling families to pass down modern, high-value assets instead of ageing, low-value homes. He also said the project anchors the Kuala Lumpur urban renewal agenda by intensifying land use at the city core, reducing reliance on outward expansion and supporting sustainable population growth. “A revitalised Kampung Sungai Baru also enhances the capital’s cultural vibrancy. While Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its modern skyline, Kampung Sungai Baru remains a living symbol of Malay heritage. “Its renewal allows it to play a dynamic role in the modern city, offering a distinctive mix of tradition and modernity that enriches the urban fabric.” He underscored that the redevelopment demonstrates how urban renewal could safeguard community identity while unlocking economic potential, with Malay Reserve status ensuring that progress does not come at the expense of cultural continuity. “Economically, the project would create jobs, expand the tax base and spur new activity. Symbolically, it shows that Malaysia could modernise its capital in an (innovative) yet culturally rooted way.” Muhammad Najib said other countries have faced similar challenges when redeveloping community-owned or heritage-rich land. “In South Africa and Kenya, displaced communities fought long legal battles for restitution. In Canada, indigenous groups that secured land rights saw stronger outcomes when development was carried out on their terms. In Brazil, resistance continues where ancestral ties have been ignored. “These cases show that development must be guided by sensitivity,

KAMPUNG SUNGAI BARU TIMELINE

Land acquisition begins under the Land Acquisition Act 1960. nd 0.

2016

In July, Section 8 declaration issued; residents told to vacate. In J dec res vac

2021

In December, eviction notices sent by Federal Territory Lands & Mines Dept. on eral

2022

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim pauses relocation in January pending fresh negotiations. Prim Ser pau Jan neg

2023

2024

Utilities cut off in June to push out remaining residents. ne ng

In November, the Kuala Lumpur High Court orders residents to vacate within 14 days. In N Lum ord vac

2024

Since March, some residents have secured a temporary stay of eviction. ured

2025

April-July: Protests intensify, demolitions continue despite objections. Sept: Eviction operation carried out - clashes erupt, senior cop injured. Ap int

2025 co ob Se ca er i j theSun graphics by Qirana Nabilla Mohd Rashidi

defining statement about Malaysia’s path to progress.

transparency and fair benefit-sharing. Kampung Sungai Baru has the potential to stand as a positive model, in which modernisation strengthens the community and cultural heritage is preserved within a modern metropolis.” He also said the redevelopment is not merely a construction project but a Acquisition unstoppable once land declared for ‘public purpose’: Expert “For residents, it promises better homes and stronger assets. For the city, it delivers density, vibrancy and sustainability. “For the country, it offers a model of development the world could look to, one in which heritage and modernity walk hand in hand into the future.”

PETALING JAYA: Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia senior law lecturer Dr Nur Yuhanis Ismon said once a Section 8 declaration is issued under the Land Acquisition Act 1960 (LAA), the fate of a redevelopment project is sealed and residents cannot stop it, although they may challenge compensation or procedure in court. She said once land is declared for a “public purpose”, the acquisition process applies to all owners within the boundary, regardless of individual objections. “Residents still have legal avenues, particularly in disputing compensation amounts under sections 37 and 38 of the Act by filing objections in Form N or seeking a

purpose” and rarely question whether redevelopment genuinely serves the community or mainly benefits private developers. “While a judicial review is available, Malaysian courts have historically been cautious in interfering with executive decisions on land acquisitions.” She also said under the law, only those with recognised legal interest in the land such as registered owners, tenants or beneficiaries, have the right to challenge or object to an acquisition. NGOs or outsiders without such standing cannot do so legally, although they may exert pressure through political or public channels. – By Qirana Nabilla Mohd Rashid

adequacy in the High Court.” She added that the court process under the LAA ensures judicial oversight, particularly in compensation disputes. “When objections are filed under sections 37 and 38, cases are brought to the High Court, where parties could present valuers, evidence and cross-examine witnesses. The process is transparent in principle, since hearings are open to the public and judgments are published, allowing scrutiny of how compensation is assessed.” However, she acknowledged the difficulty of balancing individual rights with the collective interest, as courts generally uphold the government’s definition of “public

and the public purpose is genuine, such as urban renewal, infrastructure development or heritage-sensitive projects, then the acquisition is lawful redevelopment, not a land grab.” Nur Yuhanis said the Act contains safeguards to ensure residents are not coerced and receive fair restitution. “Compensation must reflect fair market value, with possible additions for losses. If rejected, the sum is deposited in court. Residents may also seek judicial review if the acquisition is not for a genuine public purpose or if procedures are flawed, while sections 37 and 38 of the Act allow challenges to compensation

judicial review if they believe the acquisition was carried out for an improper purpose or without due process. “In practice, a minority of landowners cannot halt the project simply by refusing compensation. If the amount is not accepted, it will be deposited into court and the acquisition proceeds.” She added that redevelopment should not be viewed as a “land grab” if all statutory requirements are met. She also said the LAA grants the government broad powers to acquire land for public purposes or other categories under the law. “If all statutory requirements are complied with, compensation is fair