Squatters from Lot 53696 in Taman Jinjang Baru want authorities to meet them to resolve their housing issue. — Photos: ART CHEN/The Star
SQUATTERS residing along Jalan 11/32 in Taman Jinjang Baru, Kuala Lumpur, who have been served eviction notices want a meeting with the authorities to seek a resolution to their predicament.
On Nov 14 last year, 60 households at Lot 53696 were served notices from Department of the Director General of Lands and Mines (JKPTG) to vacate government-owned land.
They were given 30 days to move and remove the illegal structures or face charges under Section 425(1) and 425(2) of National Land Code (Act 828).
Those found guilty face a maximum fine of RM500,000 or up to five years’ jail, or both.
More than 30 residents gathered at a press conference at the lot on Sunday to urge Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and JKPTG to address their concerns after receiving the eviction notices.
They want the authorities to offer them units at public housing projects.
Social activist Yee Poh Ping, who was present, said these squatters should have been relocated to flats under People’s Housing Project (PPR).
Yee says the squatters have been at the location for more than 60 years.
He said the issue of squatters living on Federal Government land had been brought up as far back as 25 years ago by DBKL during the development of various PPR projects in areas like Jinjang, Kepong, Kampung Batu, Batu Muda and Pekan Kepong.
“This issue of squatters was raised during the construction of many PPR projects in these areas, but the authorities have not taken serious action to resolve the situation to relocate the squatters.
“The squatters in Taman Jinjang Baru have been here longer than DBKL has been around, over 60 years.
“City Hall has not fulfilled its duty to ensure the welfare of all Kuala Lumpur residents, despite programmes such as the Sifar Setinggan which was meant to resolve the squatter issue,” said Yee.
A 58-year-old resident, who did not wish to be named, said that residents had previously raised the issue with JKPTG regarding the land and their hopes to be offered alternate housing. However, he claimed that officials from JKPTG said it fell under DBKL’s jurisdiction while DBKL referred them back to JKPTG, thus leaving residents in a quandary.
At press time, DBKL had not responded to requests for comment.
