Options available for Chinatown MRT project

Former MCA chief and ex-transport minister Ong Tee Keat says there are under-utilised plots nearby that could be used to build the underground station.

PETALING JAYA: The Chinatown traders, particularly those from the Jalan Sultan stretch, found an ally in their battle against a government agency planning to acquire their land for the My Rapid Transit (MRT) project.

Former MCA president Ong Tee Keat today asked the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) to explain its insistence on the Jalan Sultan stretch when there are under-utilised land just adjacent to the controversial site.

Referring to the Jalan Panggung car park and Jalan Tun HS Lee traffic police station land, Ong said it would be best for any developer to utilise a place which would cause with minimal impact to people affected by the project.

“So SPAD must explain its insistence on acquiring the land at Jalan Sultan. We have a legitimate right to know the technical and ethical reasons for their decision,” said Ong, a former transport minister, in a statement.

Jalan Sultan traders, who are part of the Chinatown heritage site, are up in arms against SPAD since August for the latter’s decision to acquire their land for its MRT project.

Although MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek told the traders that they face only a six-month displacement until the tunnels for the project are dug, SPAD said there was no guarantee that their shops would be returned to them.

SPAD also sent letters to the traders on Sept 8 urging the traders to provide documents on their land for ‘valuation purposes’, signalling that the Land Acquisition Act 1960 may be used to acquire the land stretch.

Ong, who is also Pandan MP, criticised SPAD for ‘forcing’ the traders to sell of their land, saying it only proved that the meeting held on Aug 23 with the people was a mere publicity stunt.

“Despite assurances that acquisition will only be done on “willing seller and willing buyer” basis, the affected parties are now given a deadline to submit their own property valuation reports.

“Any right minded person would question SPAD’s rationale in asking for a property valuation despite its promise to respect the traders’ decision. The writing is on the wall,” said Ong.

Losing heritage and identity

He added while SPAD may be able to pay the price for the land acquired, it would not however be able to compensate them for the loss of their future source of income.

“Worse, the entire local community would also lose their heritage, identity and values. How do you put a price tag to that?” asked Ong.

Ong also questioned the transport commission for not holding public consultation before announcing the project.

He added that the authorities owed it to the public to be tranparent about the project from the start to avoid such problems.

“Has SPAD even conducted a comprehensive Social Impact Assessment on the effects of acquiring a tract of land densely populated with intense business activities?

“If there is such report, then share it with the public. If not, why the assessment was not done?” asked Ong.