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New Straits Times

Johari: A trusted agency like UDA should take over project [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: Titiwangsa member of parliament Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the Urban Development Authority (UDA) Holdings Bhd should take over the redevelopment of Kampung Sungai Baru. He said a trusted agency like UDA could restore the community's confidence in the project. Johari, who is also the plantation and commodities minister, said the proposal was not contingent on an agreement specifically with UDA, as any trusted developer could step up. "If not (UDA), try Sime Darby Properties or Tabung Haji Properties — other trusted agencies. "Then people will believe the project will be completed," he said on Podcast Utama Buletin TV3 with Mior Abdul Malik Raiyani and Azaria Tagaya tonight. Recalling his experience with UDA in the Legasi Kampong Bharu residential project near Pasar Minggu, which is in his constituency, Johari said the development succeeded where others failed. Johari said he believed UDA's success lay in the trust and confidence they fostered with the community. "They have a good track record and links with the government, so people believed in them. "Initially, when I spoke about developing this and that, people (in Kampung Baru) were scared," adding that some expressed doubt. However, Johari warned against involving developers with weak finances. "Many private developers don't have strong finances. "They're just fronts. That's dangerous. If the project fails, what can we do? "How many abandoned projects are there in the property development industry? "When I did the Legasi Kampong Bharu project, I made sure the developer and contractor were solid. "If the project was not completed, Malays in Kampung Baru would lose confidence in developing their land." Johari said he had also discussed the matter with Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. "She understands the issue and is very concerned. "I said, 'Datuk Seri, why not ask the developer to surrender the project so UDA can take over? Then people will be patient and stop protesting'." However, Johari said the developer was demanding an "unreasonably high sum" to exit the project. "They are asking for RM160 million to RM170 million to surrender the project to UDA. "They haven't even built anything. The site isn't cleared, there are still buildings standing, and you ask for money? "How can UDA cover the cost? "Like I said, if (the) Kampung Sungai Baru (redevelopment) was given to UDA, they could do it. "But if UDA is asked to pay RM160 million or RM170 million for a mistake by a developer who failed to plan properly, then even UDA might not be brave enough to take it on," Johari said. Nevertheless, he said he remained open to engaging the developer on the matter. "If the developer wants to meet me, any time. "Sit right in front of me and I'll ask, 'What's your problem? What's the reason?' "If he says, 'Oh, I can't relocate them,' they should have thought about it. "You were the one who confidently moved them, thinking you could relocate everyone 100 per cent. "And now you're saying you can't move them. "What's the excuse? Who are they going to blame?"