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Free Malaysia Today
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Johari blames ignorant meddlers for dragging out Kg Sungai Baru issue
Titiwangsa MP Johari Ghani said this group of people did not comprehend the matter at hand and had ended up misleading the public. (Podcast Utama Buletin TV3 pic) PETALING JAYA : Titiwangsa MP Johari Ghani has hit out at ignorant politicians, lawyers, and social media influencers whose meddling has foiled attempts to resolve issues plaguing the redevelopment of Kampung Sungai Baru. Johari said this group of people did not comprehend the matter at hand and had ended up misleading the public. 'You can't resolve these issues by going on TikTok. You won't find a resolution till the day you die,' he said in an interview aired on TV3. He also said that the redevelopment could not be halted as the land acquisition for the redevelopment projects had been gazetted, while a majority of the villagers had moved out, with the grants given to developers. Johari said that between 2018 to mid-2022 ministers and elected representatives had done nothing to champion the plight of the residents of Kampung Sungai Baru. The redevelopment of the area, involving land acquisition of 67 terrace houses and 14 apartment blocks, generated dissatisfaction among a group of residents over the compensation offered. Federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa told the Dewan Rakyat in July last year that the compensation was based on the value of the property, maintenance costs, income losses, and other relevant factors. Johari said that developers would not be able to commence the project because only 67% of the residents agreed to the offers made by the developers. 'The remaining 33% are opposing it (the offer) and they (the developers) are using the Land Acquisition Act (to resolve the dispute).' He said the federal territories minister and the elected representatives should have convinced residents who agreed to the redevelopment to stay put until those who opposed the project acceded. 'They should have said (to these residents who agreed to the offer) 'don't move yet, until we get the 33% on our side'. That would have been the correct way to go about it.'
![Case offers cautionary tale for drafters of urban renewal law, says Johari [WATCH]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FJOHARI_ABDUL_GHANI_tokey_kami_1745766011.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![Case offers cautionary tale for drafters of urban renewal law, says Johari [WATCH]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Case offers cautionary tale for drafters of urban renewal law, says Johari [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: The redevelopment deadlock in Kampung Sungai Baru must serve as a lesson to developers and the authorities on urban renewal efforts. Titiwangsa member of parliament Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said many Kampung Sungai Baru residents may not have fully understood what was happening when the redevelopment process began after the 2018 general election. "There was no one advising them before they moved out," said Johari, who is in his second term as MP. He was the constituency's MP from 2013 to 2018 and was re-elected in 2022. "We had many elected representatives at the time, but none took action." He said this on Podcast Utama Buletin TV3 with Mior Abdul Malik Raiyani and Azaria Tagaya last night. "When I returned as MP (in 2022), I wished none of this had happened and that I could reverse everything. But it had already happened — valuations were done, gazettes issued, and the developer had paid money." The Kampung Sungai Baru redevelopment has stalled as 33 per cent of the 328 households have refused to vacate their properties. Johari said the government should draw lessons from the Kampung Sungai Baru case in formulating the Urban Renewal Act. "These sensitivities must be addressed in the legislation. "The area in question must be identified and factored in," he said. "Kuala Lumpur has limited land. If a flat is 50 or 70 years old and requires redevelopment, then we do need an act (for that) — but one that considers the history and origin of the land. "That must be a condition, so there's no large-scale displacement during any redevelopment," Johari said. He added that urban renewal efforts must include detailed planning to benefit current residents and the next generation. "A child who lived there aged 5 may now be married with children but can't get housing. "Redevelopment — say, increasing from four to 30 storeys — can provide more units for original families. This way, their children can return and live nearby, caring for their parents. Even if the parents receive one unit free (on a one-to-one basis), the children could also benefit by living in the same area." The proposed Urban Renewal Act will set a consensus threshold for redevelopment, requiring 80 per cent agreement from residents for buildings under 30 years old before negotiations can commence, 75 per cent agreement for buildings over 30 years old, and a simple majority (51 per cent) for abandoned or derelict housing.
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Case offers cautionary tale for drafters of urban renewal law, says Johari
KUALA LUMPUR: The redevelopment deadlock in Kampung Sungai Baru must serve as a lesson to developers and the authorities on urban renewal efforts. Titiwangsa member of parliament Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said many Kampung Sungai Baru residents may not have fully understood what was happening when the redevelopment process began after the 2018 general election. "There was no one advising them before they moved out," said Johari, who is in his second term as MP. He was the constituency's MP from 2013 to 2018 and was re-elected in 2022. "We had many elected representatives at the time, but none took action." He said this on Podcast Utama Buletin TV3 with Mior Abdul Malik Raiyani and Azaria Tagaya last night. "When I returned as MP (in 2022), I wished none of this had happened and that I could reverse everything. But it had already happened — valuations were done, gazettes issued, and the developer had paid money." The Kampung Sungai Baru redevelopment has stalled as 33 per cent of the 328 households have refused to vacate their properties. Johari said the government should draw lessons from the Kampung Sungai Baru case in formulating the Urban Renewal Act. "These sensitivities must be addressed in the legislation. "The area in question must be identified and factored in," he said. "Kuala Lumpur has limited land. If a flat is 50 or 70 years old and requires redevelopment, then we do need an act (for that) — but one that considers the history and origin of the land. "That must be a condition, so there's no large-scale displacement during any redevelopment," Johari said. He added that urban renewal efforts must include detailed planning to benefit current residents and the next generation. "A child who lived there aged 5 may now be married with children but can't get housing. "Redevelopment — say, increasing from four to 30 storeys — can provide more units for original families. This way, their children can return and live nearby, caring for their parents. Even if the parents receive one unit free (on a one-to-one basis), the children could also benefit by living in the same area." The proposed Urban Renewal Act will set a consensus threshold for redevelopment, requiring 80 per cent agreement from residents for buildings under 30 years old before negotiations can commence, 75 per cent agreement for buildings over 30 years old, and a simple majority (51 per cent) for abandoned or derelict housing.
![Johari: A trusted agency like UDA should take over project [WATCH]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F28nt4eda_1745765111.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Politics
- 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?"
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
'Kg Sg Baru project must proceed' [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: The stalled redevelopment of Kampung Sungai Baru must resume immediately, said Titiwangsa member of parliament Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. "The development order has been granted. "So, they must proceed," he said, adding that it could take another five years to complete the project. However, Johari, who is plantation and commodities minister, said the continuation of the project should not prevent residents who are refusing to move out from seeking legal redress. "If they want to take the matter to court, they must be allowed to. If the court orders 20 per cent more in compensation, then just pay it." He said this on Podcast Utama Buletin TV3 with Mior Abdul Malik Raiyani and Azaria Tagaya tonight. "Don't appeal. Proceed with the project." He added that the developer had obtained 3.16ha of land at a relatively low valuation considering its development potential. Johari said the project's troubles began when the developer Ritzy Gloss Sdn Bhd, later renamed KL City Gateway Sdn Bhd, identified the area's redevelopment potential during his first parliamentary term from 2013 to 2018. "While the Legasi Kampong Bharu residential project was being completed by UDA Holdings Bhd, developers expressed interest in developing nearby Kampung Sungai Baru." He said the developer bypassed him as the MP at the time, choosing instead to work with then-Kuala Lumpur mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Phesal Talib to approach residents. "At that time, I found out about this and didn't mind if the interested parties were just fact-finding. "But I later realised there was a serious effort to relocate residents," he said. He said he met residents in 2017 and advised them not to sign any agreement with the developer, as the company had a paid-up capital of less than RM100,000. While he supported the idea of redeveloping the ageing, rundown flats that date back to the 1970s, Johari said only financially sound developers should undertake the task. "But not all residents heeded my advice. "Some (residents) associations supported Ritzy Gloss' proposal; others opposed it." He said the developer got those who agreed to sign a joint venture agreement, not a sale and purchase contract. He said some residents were enticed by offers of RM10,000 for relocation and RM1,200 monthly rent, along with the promise of new housing within four years. The agreements, he said, were signed after his electoral defeat. In 2020, the developer sought to acquire the land under the Land Acquisition Act, a move Johari questioned. "With only 67 per cent of owners agreeing, is it logical to invoke the Act?" The project was gazetted under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act on June 18, 2021, and the gazette under Section 8 was issued on June 21 the same year. Johari said there was no oversight after he lost in the 2018 election. "When I was MP, no one relocated because I warned them not to. After I lost, no one checked." Johari was re-elected to the constituency in 2022, and today, only 67 per cent of the 328 households — 264 flats and 64 terraced houses — have agreed to relocate. "The remaining 33 per cent did not, and without their consent, the project cannot proceed." He said residents who were staying put were offered unfair compensation, especially for terraced house owners who were offered RM940,000 to RM960,000 — an insufficient amount to buy similar properties in the city. The relocation of the 67 per cent of households who agreed should have been halted until the remaining 33 per cent agreed, he said. "Now, vandalised units can't be restored," he said, adding that 109 households — 72 flats and 37 terraced houses — still refused to leave. Even with the completion of the project, he warned against unrealistic expectations of the properties' values. "Once ready, we'll assess whether the promised value is real... Will these flats be worth millions as claimed? We'll see," he said. The land acquisition in Kampung Sungai Baru involved terraced houses and flats in Pangsapuri Sungai Baru. The project was initiated in 2016. In July 2024, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said in the Dewan Rakyat that the development order for the project had been approved.
