18 families whose homes were torn down, appeal for compensation

KUALA NERANG: Eighteen families are appealing to the state government for appropriate compensation after their houses and business premises in Kampung Baru, Jalan Kampung Masjid here, which they have occupied for more than 60 years, were demolished by local authorities today.
Most of the residents said they accepted the proposed project to build the new Muadzam Shah Mosque nearby but at the same time the welfare of the people who had been staying there for more than 60 years must be given fair consideration.
“I know this is a Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) land belonging to the government, but the District Officer did mention relocating us to a new location or giving us a compensation to overcome the problem but until today no decision was made,” the residents’ representative Ong Kee Tong, 52, told reporters.
He said the issue of vacating the buildings, including seven shops, was not something new but had been going on for several years. — Bernama