2 days ago
Jinjang Selatan Tambahan owners lodge reports over inadequate compensation
Jinjang Selatan Tambahan settlers waiting to lodge reports at the Sentul District Police headquarters. — Photos: ONG SOON HIN/The Star
Some 38 residential property and shopowners from Jinjang Selatan Tambahan, Kepong, lodged reports at the Sentul District Police headquarters over what they perceived as unfair treatment by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
These settlers, who have been served demolition notices by City Hall, are demanding higher compensation from a developer before they agree to move out.
DBKL had served them demolition notices in May, in line with Section 70 (13)(c) under the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133) which states that no person shall erect a building without the prior written consent of the local authority.
The settlers have been seeking better terms since a mixed development project – a joint venture between DBKL and a private developer – was announced about a decade ago to relocate them.
In 2023, it was reported that shopowners were offered RM5,000 as moving fees as well as RM5,000 vouchers to buy any property priced at RM300,000 and above by the developer.
The developer said that although it was unable to offer replacement lots to shopowners, the company had given free houses of 83.61sqm to over 300 residents who had temporary occupation licences (TOL).
Those who bought their lots from the original holders were offered the chance to buy 70.6sqm units for RM42,000.
Acting as group spokesperson for Jawatankuasa Gabungan Isu Perumahan dan Pampasan, secretary Ameer Khan Bargathalli said that it was not right that those affected were being treated like squatters.
He asked DBKL to rescind the demolition order until a better solution could be reached.
'Shopkeepers had been paying assessment taxes from 1969 to 2006, when DBKL stopped renewing our TOL licences.
'This clearly shows that our existence at the beginning was legal and had the approval of the authorities.'
In the police report, residents expressed dissatisfaction over the RM5,000 compensation by the developer.
Ameer said this it was not adequate, as the land occupied by shops was valued at between RM300,000 and RM400,000 at current property prices.
'We request the assistance of the police to protect our properties until a fair compensation value is achieved,' he said.
When asked whether there would be a stay on the demolition notice, DBKL said it would reply at a later date.
