Ameer: Jinjang Selatan Tambahan residents want a meeting with the mayor to iron out the issues.
A GROUP of disgruntled residents submitted a memorandum urging Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to disclose the list of recipients getting free units at a low-cost housing project in Jinjang Selatan Tambahan, Kepong.
The units are part of a 35-storey block serving as alternative housing for squatters and longhouse residents in the area.
The mixed development project is a joint venture between DBKL and a private developer to relocate first-generation settlers.
A handful of residents held a peaceful protest before handing over the memorandum at DBKL’s headquarters in Jalan Raja Laut, Kuala Lumpur, yesterday.
Jawatankuasa Gabungan Isu Perumahan dan Pampasan secretary Ameer Khan Bargathalli said there were claims of outsiders receiving units.
“A balloting session for the units was held by the developer recently but we have no idea who these ‘residents’ are.
“DBKL should disclose the recipients’ names to ensure transparency,” he said when met.
Ameer said the Jinjang Selatan Tambahan area had several shoplots, which had been home to 560 temporary occupational licence (TOL) holders.
He said out of this figure, 220 were first-generation settlers who were promised free units at the low-cost housing project.
He added that 340 second-generation settlers were promised units priced at RM200,000.
StarMetro report on Dec 1, 2023.
Ameer said the project for first-generation squatters was 80% completed but the building to accommodate second-generation settlers had yet to start.
“We are seeking a meeting with mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif to iron out the issues,” he added.
The Jinjang Selatan Tambahan settlement started in 1969.
The TOL subsequently issued by DBKL expired in 1996.
It was reported that in 2004, residents’ application for renewal of the TOL was rejected but they continued to pay assessment tax until 2006.
In 2007, DBKL approved a mixed development project at the site.
In a StarMetro report last year, shopowners received a notice to vacate, along with a promise that they would receive RM5,000 compensation and RM5,000 vouchers to buy a property worth at least RM300,000 at the mixed development project.
However, the shopowners have received multiple extensions.
DBKL, in a statement, said the alternative housing project was 88% completed and was expected to be ready by year end.
It said balloting sessions, involving 237 first-generation families, were held on June 29 and 30 as well as July 13 and 14.
An affordable housing project would also be built at the site but it was pending certain approvals, the statement read.
DBKL said discussions had been ongoing with residents since 2019.
“Residents are allowed to stay put in Jinjang Selatan Tambahan and will only be required to move once the replacement project is completed,” it said.
As for the shopowners, DBKL said they could wait until the end of the year to vacate.
