Closer location for those with special needs

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THERE is still a chance for families in the Indian settlement in Kampung Pandan to appeal for low-cost housing units that are closer to their current location.

Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk M. Saravanan said the door has not closed on them.

Set to change: The area will be redeveloped before the residents are allowed to return.

Saravanan said priority would be given to the families who had school-going children and those who were sickly and required medical attention.

“They can still appeal as the MIC office in Kampung Pandan is still taking in appeals from those who have valid reasons as to why they cannot move to areas that are far away,” he said.

On requests whether they could be relocated to Seri Alam public housing sheme, which is only 4km away, Saravanan said Seri Alam is meant for the permanent relocation of squatters.

“The relocation of squatters in the Kampung Pandan Indian settlement is only a temporary measure. Once their houses are built, they can come back and rent the units and eventually buy them.

“But for now, they must move out to enable the development to start. They have to trust us. This will be the first Indian settlement that is being redeveloped for Indians. We have come this far — just wait for another two years,” Saravanan said.

He added that the redevelopment of the settlement was the best thing that could happen to the residents and that two years was a small price to pay for the future benefits and the quality of life they would eventually enjoy living in a comfortable and clean environment.

“This redevelopment plan was never part of the local plan of Kuala Lumpur, which is why it is not listed in the Draft Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020.

“When I was appointed deputy minister in 2008, the first notice to relocate had already been given out by the DBKL,” Saravanan said.

“I spoke to the then FT minister Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique and told him of the need for a permanent home for the residents and the government then agreed to provide a more conducive living environment for the residents,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kampung Pandan MIC branch chairman P. Sritharan said he had received about 70 appeals from the residents so far, and out of that number, 15 families were recently given the keys and pledge letters (Surat Aku Janji) by the DBKL to move to nearby units.

“It was not easy selecting these families as priority for units located near Kampung Pandan were given to needy cases like single mothers and those with chronic diseases who require medical attention from nearby government hospitals and clinics,” he said.

The Kampung Pandan Indian settlement re-developmnet project involves the building of 480 low-cost units. Each unit will measure 700 sq ft – which is 50 sq ft bigger than other public housing units in the city and it is going to be more stylish.

It will have two 15-storey blocks and is estimated to cost RM47mil. The Hindu temple and the Tamil school in the area will remain.

In May, Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail had given residents a grace period until October to relocate.

They were initially supposed to move out on May 14, but the Federal Territories Ministry agreed to postpone their relocation.