Government To Propose Kg Baru Redevelopment Under New Concept

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Saturday announced the redevelopment of Kampung Baru in the heart of the city under a concept which, among other things, does not require relocation of the residents or land owners.

He said the residents and land owners would have the right to determine the type of development in accordance with their requirements.

The government also proposed to set up a special body run by the government trustee without private sector participation so that the Kampung Baru residents were assured of the development to be undertaken in their interests, he said.

"I hope that after we have put forward a good proposal, the residents here will have the opportunity to study it and concept to be applied. I hope that after that the residents, particularly the land owners, can accept the proposal," he told reporters after attending a briefing at Kuala Lumpur City Hall and going on a walkabout in Kampung Baru.

Najib said Federal Territories and Urban Well-being Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin had been asked to prepare a Cabinet paper on the redevelopment and that he would hold a dialogue with the residents after the Cabinet approves the paper.

Najib gave the assurance that the government would launch the redevelopment immediately after getting the agreement of the residents, and said this concept of development would overcome all restrictions which kept the land value low.

He said the value of land in the area could exceed RM20 billion if the residents accepted the redevelopment concept which would realise the full potential of Kampung Baru.

The value of land in Kampung Baru is only around RM350 per square foot when that in nearby areas such as the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) exceeded RM2,000.

"With the conversion of the land status, the land owners in Kampung Baru will enjoy a huge shift in terms the value of the land they owned.

"A new era for Kampung Baru will begin as soon as the residents accept the government proposal," he said.