The government has agreed to resettle 245 rubber estate settler families who work in five farms in Hulu Selangor namely Ladang Mary, Ladang Nigel Gardner, Ladang Bukit Tagar, Ladang Sungai Tinggi and Ladang Minyak.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said this housing project was a result of a collaboration between his ministry, the Selangor state government and Berjaya Corporation Bhd.
"The Madani government under the leadership of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim together with the state government has allocated RM75 million.
"Meanwhile, Berjaya Corporation gave 20 acres (8ha) of land for free for house construction.
"I expect the project to be completed within 24 months after receiving construction approval," he said in Kuala Selangor, this morning.
Others who attended the press conference include Selangor exco member Papparaidu Veraman, Sentosa assemblyperson Gunaraj George, Hulu Selangor parliamentary constituency coordinator Sathia Prakash Nadarajan, and representatives from Berjaya Corporation.
The announcement was made despite the Election Commission’s prohibition against the government and political parties announcing new allocations in relation to Kuala Kubu Baharu while the by-election is still ongoing.
Ladang Nigel Gardner dan Ladang Bukit Tagar are within Kuala Kubu Baharu, while the other three are under the Tanjung Karang parliamentary constituency.
Previously, residents in the five estates laid out conditions for election candidates vying for their support.
A representative of the residents said the candidate must sign a statutory declaration pledging to fulfil their promises.
There are about 500 Kuala Kubu Baharu voters in Ladang Nigel Gardner dan Ladang Bukit Tagar.
Among the issues raised was the construction of low-cost terrace houses for 245 workers from the five estates, which was previously planned on an 8ha site given by Berjaya in 2019.
The right Madani move
In an immediate response, PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan welcomed the announcement.
“This is significant because in previous instances, estate workers were evicted from their plantations before being provided with housing.
“But this is the first time workers are being provided with houses while they are still living in the estates.
“This is a good example by the Madani government. I hope the government of the day also gives the same attention and announcement to other estates facing the same problem,” he told Malaysiakini.
‘Dream homes’ on the way
Sathia said the announcement shows the importance of having the federal government and state government ruled by the same party.
“This has been a 26-year issue that could not be solved because of other problems. But once Pakatan Harapan took over both the federal government and the state government, this housing issue could be solved in just 16 months.
“I also welcome the minister’s announcement especially the promise to complete the housing project in 2026.
“What is important is that the residents here will finally get their dream home,” he added. - Mkini
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