Fate of KL projects still uncertain

Another year has passed and several projects in Kuala Lumpurare still in limbo.

One of the most talked about projects is Kampung Baru, one of the oldest Malay settlements in the capital.

Covering 90.2 ha of land, Kampung Baru is a 110-year-old settlement comprising of seven villages with about 35,000 residents. Most of the area was classified as Malay reserve land, with around 4,300 owners.

After various attempts to kick off its development, the Kampung Baru Development Corporation Bill 2010 was tabled for a first reading in December 2010 by Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin, Minister of Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing.

However, the move irked residents, such as the Kampung Baru Development Association, who claimed they had not been informed beforhand.

Keramat Mall is another project that has been in limbo.

Stalled for a number of years, the four-storey market complex comprises a food court, post office and bank, which was completed in 2010 at RM49 million.

Some traders were unhappy with the building and the lot’s design. The project faced more problems, as landowners of the proposed building refused to relocate, complaining of insufficient compensation from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

Plaza Rakyat is another such project. Located near the Puduraya bus station, the RM70 million mixed-commercial development was left half-completed about 15 years ago.

Most of the buyers have asked DBKL to solve the problem.

However, no plans to revive the project have been announced.