45-year-old KL hall now deemed illegal

The Star

2 days ago

THE management of a 45-year-old community hall in Jalan 1, Kampung Baru Salak Selatan, Kuala Lumpur, is now caught in limbo after the Federal Territories Land and Mines Office (PTGWP) deemed the structure illegal and issued a notice for its demolition.
The hall, managed by Persatuan Kebajikan Kampung Baru Salak Selatan, an umbrella body of over seven non-governmental organisations (NGOs), has been used for decades to host community activities, including running a kindergarten.
It is learnt that PTGWP officers issued the notice two weeks ago, instructing the management to vacate the site at Lot 7985 by July 15.
The officers returned today and pasted red notices all over the premises.
According to the notice, the occupiers have illegally taken up government land and must vacate and demolish all structures immediately, or face legal action under Section 425(1) of the National Land Code 1965.
Enforcement action may be taken at any time.
Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to RM500,000 or a jail term not exceeding five years, or both.
When contacted, association chairman Banie Chin questioned the sudden move by the authorities.
'Why now?
'This is an old community hall. When it caught fire in 1981, we rebuilt it with help from the then-mayor, the late Tan Sri Elyas Omar.
'We raised funds, and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) also contributed funds for the hall.
"No one ever said the hall was illegal. If it is, come talk to us, we are willing to discuss,' he said.
Chin, who is also Salak South Village MCA branch deputy chairman, said the NGOs had planned a series of events to be held at the hall and will appeal for more time to secure an alternative venue.
'We can't just cancel the kindergarten. Events are lined up until the Chinese New Year next year.
"This whole thing has been handled in poor taste,' he said, adding that it had appointed a lawyer to look into the matter.
In a Facebook post, Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun confirmed that PTGWP, along with DBKL, would be carrying out enforcement action on the site.
'Investigations revealed that the hall has been operated without any valid approval from the authorities.
"This constitutes trespass and cannot be allowed to continue.
'As an MP, I respect and support the enforcement action, as it is carried out in accordance with the law,' Fong said.
He stressed that the issue was not racial or political, but about safeguarding public property and upholding the law.
'No one is entitled to occupy or build on government land without formal approval.
"A reasonable grace period has already been given for the parties involved to move out,' he added.
Fong also urged all parties to respect the legal process and not twist the issue.
'Community halls should be used legally, transparently and fairly for the benefit of all residents, and not monopolised or occupied by any individual or group,' he said.