Today, their representatives submitted a memorandum to Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng during a break in the state assembly sitting, urging the state government to expedite settlement.
Residents association chairperson and senior citizen Draviam Arul Pillay, 84, managed to meet Lim in the compound of the building, where an exhibition is being held.
Some 10 residents had planned to accompany Sugumaran, but were stopped by security personnel at the front gate.
Lim's political secretary Ng Wei Aik tried to receive the memorandum from Sugumaran, but the latter insisted on handing it to the chief minister.
"It has been nearly three months since our houses were demolished. It's unfair to exclude us from compensation when others from Kampung Buah Pala were duly compensated," said Sugumaran.
He indicated the residents may resort to legal action if the state government refuses to entertain their call for an amicable solution.
Asked to comment later, Lim declined to respond.
'Talks in progress'
Sugumaran later told journalists that Deputy Chief Minister (II) P Ramasamy had refused to entertain his request a month ago for a meeting to negotiate compensation.
"Ramasamy told me that there would be no more negotiations with us," he claimed.
"I am confident we will reach an agreement soon," he told Malaysiakini.
Kampung Buah Pala, once known as the Tamil High Chaparral, was demolished to make way for a luxury condominium project called the Oasis.
The joint-venture project is undertaken by the landowner - Koperasi Pegawai Kerajaan Negeri Pulau Pinang - and private developer Nusmetro Venture (P) Sdn Bhd.
They have agreed to build 24 double-storey houses for the former villagers, excluding the nine residents who have opted for a cash settlement.
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