Jalan Peel squatters seek eviction deadline extension

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SOME 49 squatters in Jalan Peel, Kuala Lumpur, were served eviction notices on Thursday to make way for the My Rapid Transit (MRT) project.

Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai said the squatters, some of whom had set up businesses in the area, were not told of the eviction during the three-month public display of the plan.

Tan said the squatters, who have been staying there for three generations, were surprised to learn about the eviction notice,

To go: These squatter units comprise houses, restaurants and workshops in Jalan Peel will have to make way for the MRT project.

“They always knew they would have to move out but did not know it was for the MRT project,” he said at a meeting with the squatters, MRT Corporation Sdn Bhd, the project delivery partner MMC Gamuda, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the Land and Mines Department.

The squatters are hoping to get an extension on the eviction deadline on Nov 21.

Some are worried they will be shifted to PPR Muhibbah in Puchong which would inconvenience them.

Tan said the residents could not afford to buy homes or business outlets.

“The squatters are hoping to get a goodwill compensation to help them move out,” he said.

MRT Corporation Klang Valley MRT project director Marcus Karakashian said the extension might cause a delay in the entire project.

He said they needed the land early next year to begin soil tests and other work before tunnelling began a year later.

“We need to do a lot of work to ensure the ground is safe,” he added.

Karakashian, however, could not confirm if the residents would be given compensation as it was beyond his jurisdiction.

Tan said he would draw up a memorandum with the requests from the squatters by next Friday.

He said he would gather the signatures from all the 49 people before handing it over to the respective agencies, including MRT Corporation.