KUALA LUMPUR – Ritzy Gloss Sdn Bhd, the private property developer leading a contentious multi-billion ringgit redevelopment move in Kg Sg Baru, may soon face competition from several other interested companies, potentially changing the direction of the project’s future.
According to Kg Sg Baru Terrace Homes and Flat Owners Action Committee chairman Lele Suzana, a number of development firms have come forth expressing their willingness to take over the project.
The project made headlines in 2021 when local residents raised concerns about the approval granted by the Perikatan Nasional administration at that time. This approval allowed Ritzy Gloss to utilise the Land Acquisition Act (LAA) 1960 for the purpose of acquiring land in the vicinity in order to proceed with the project.
“We have held discussions with a few other developers who are keen on taking over the Kg Sg Baru redevelopment project from Ritzy Gloss, including paying for costs the latter has spent,” Lele told a press conference here today.
“The interested developers have also agreed to provide a compensation of RM950 per sq ft to terrace and flat owners, a much higher value than the RM450 per sq ft compensation offered by the Valuation and Property Management Department.
“The compensation offered by the interested developers will extend to landowners whose homes were gazetted under the LAA, those whose residences were not gazetted and residents who have already accepted Ritzy Gloss’ initial offer.”
While she declined to reveal the names of the interested firms, Lele said that in the event of a successful handover from Ritzy Gloss, the new parties agreed to allow residents to remain in their homes until Kuala Lumpur City Hall approves development proposals.
“They also said that they will provide residents with a two-month notice before we’re required to vacate our homes to allow construction works to take place,” she added.
She also said that the committee will be writing to Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief Tan Sri Azam Baki to call for an investigation into the valuation process of Kg Sg Baru land.
Urging the government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to retract the use of the LAA to allow discussions on the possibility of a separate company taking over the project, Lele highlighted that residents’ welfare will be sidelined as long as the gazette is enforced.
“The gazettement of our homes under the LAA was something that we had no say in, especially since it was carried out when the country was under lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The prime minister, who has shown his commitment to fighting corruption and instilling good governance, must take this matter seriously.
“We are ready to provide our cooperation if a transparent investigation is conducted on the land acquisition process under the LAA which did not obtain Parliament’s approval.”
The Prime Minister’s Department oversees federal territory matters, following restructuring measures under Anwar’s leadership.
Khalid says Anwar must be braver than Annuar
Also present at the press conference was former federal territories minister Khalid Samad, who said that Anwar must be willing to make “brave” decisions for the sake of protecting residents’ interests.
“The first day after (Anwar) was elected prime minister following the 15th general election, I told him that he has to retract the land acquisition gazette in Kg Sg Baru.
“I told him that he has to be braver than (former federal territories minister) Tan Sri Annuar Musa, who approved the LAA under extraordinary circumstances to allow a private project, not involving the development of public utilities, to take place.
“How can negotiations take place if residents’ lands have been taken under the LAA? The prime minister must step up to avoid setting a dangerous precedent. How can private land simply be taken (by the government) for a private project?” Khalid questioned.
Urging Anwar to speak to residents himself to obtain better insight on the situation, Khalid also cautioned the prime minister against making decisions based on one-sided input, saying: “Don’t just listen to what the Kg Baru Development Corporation or other parties are telling you.”
Previously, local government expert Derek Fernandez told Scoop that Section 3(1)(c) of the LAA, which was used by the government to take control of Kg Sg Baru land, must be read with other sections of the legislation for eviction orders to be legally viable.
Failure to do so, he said, would raise doubts over whether residents are compelled to adhere to eviction notices issued by the Kuala Lumpur Land Administrator on various occasions, the latest of which ordered landowners to vacate their homes by October 19.
While residents have been temporarily spared from potential homelessness as Anwar’s political secretary confirmed to Scoop that the eviction date has been pushed back to October 31, the momentary respite does not detract from issues faced by landowners.
One long-time resident, a 76-year-old grandmother, said that jail time would pale in comparison to the mental torment she has suffered due to the developers and authorities’ lack of compassion.
Scoop previously spoke to Kg Sg Baru residents, Khalid and a lawyer representing the action committee on the ordeal in the Malay enclave. – October 29, 2023