‘Salak Selatan hall to be handed over to DBKL, not demolished'

The Star

7 days ago

Kampung Baru Salak Selatan Community Hall has been sealed pending transfer of ownership to DBKL. — Photos: YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
Federal Territories Land and Mines Office (PTGWP) has denied claims that the Kampung Baru Salak Selatan Community Hall will be demolished.
The hall is managed by Kampung Baru Salak Selatan Welfare Association, an umbrella body of seven non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
A PTGWP spokesperson said the red notice, which instructed occupants to vacate and demolish the structure, was an administrative requirement under the law.
'We are in the process of gazetting the land to legalise the hall.
'Once the gazettement is approved by the PTGWP director, it will be forwarded to the Attorney General's Chambers to be formalised,' the spokesperson said.
StarMetro had earlier reported that a red notice was issued on July 15 under Section 425(1) of National Land Code 1965.
The spokesperson said once the gazettement process was completed, the land would be transferred to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for management.
'Until then, neither the association nor DBKL has jurisdiction over the site.'
A PTGWP spokesperson says the red notice is an administrative requirement under the law.
The clarification follows backlash from the association which claimed that no engagement had been carried out before the red notice was issued.
An association member, KL Lee, said the hall had been sealed while all their documents were still inside.
When contacted, association chairman Chin Yen Foo said they met with DBKL on Aug 4 to discuss the hall's future.
He was told that once the hall was legalised, it would be jointly managed by the association, the Federal Territories Residents Representative Council (MPPWP) and another NGO.
'All three will be allowed to maintain offices within the hall and have been asked to work together in the community's interest,' said Chin.
He appealed to DBKL to also consider legalising the surrounding structures, including the library, kindergarten, basketball court and food court.
'These facilities have been operating for many years,' said Chin.
A DBKL Community Development and Urban Well-being Department officer, who declined to be named, clarified that ample notice was given to the association but they had refused to comply.
The hall was rebuilt in 1983 after a fire destroyed the original wooden structure.
It was funded through a community fundraising drive, with DBKL matching every ringgit raised.