Idea for second Kampung Baru foolish, irrelevant: Nong Chik

KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 – The opposition idea to create a second Kampung Baru outside Kuala Lumpur has been described as a foolish act and irrelevant.

Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin described the proposal to relocate residents of Kampung Baru as ‘walk and talk’.

“The opposition only know how to talk but don’t think of ways to make them happen. Where will the second Kampung Baru be located? maybe in Selangor. They don’t think the inconvenience caused to residents,” he said after opening Titiwangsa Umno division delegates meeting at Putra World Trade Centre, here today.

Kampung Baru development project covering 151.57 hectares is larger than Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) project (40 hectares) and among the largest property development projects in the world.

Nong Chik said the names of Kampung Baru Development Corporation committee members will be announced on July 18.

The government was always concerned about the people’s welfare before implementing development priojects in and around Kuala Lumpur.

“Before developing Kerinchi, the government relocated residents to nearby area (Lembah Pantai) for their convenient them as it affected school children.

“Kampung Kerinchi Development project is for the people but the opposition politicised it. As a result, eight percent of residents opposed it and ended up with compensation of only RM70,000 while others will receive houses worth about half a million,” he added.

Some 421 residents of four-storey flats in Kampung Kerinchi will receive benefits under ‘Kehidupan Baru K-Baru’ concept when Kerinchi Residensi units with 882 sq ft on 99 years leasehold are completed by 2015. – Bernama