KUALA LUMPUR: The identity of the Malays in Kampung Baru will be maintained even if the area is developed as a modern commercial centre, according to Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa.
He said discussions would be held in stages with the residents and others involved in the development project so that a comprehensive plan of action can be made to protect the rights of the Malays in the area.
“The ministry will look at other better options that meet the needs of the villagers and will look at a more suitable model for development purposes,“ he told Bernama after appearing as a guest on Bernama TV’s ‘Ruang Bicara’ programme last night.
Annuar said development with a different concept is needed to maintain the uniqueness of the identity of Kampung Baru as the last area of land in the centre of the federal capital that belongs to the Malays.
Even if the villagers do not own a skyscraper, at least they will enjoy a development that will generate good income, he added.
Annuar said the government is prepared to expedite development of Kampung Baru and at the same time to avoid quarters from taking advantage by capitalising on market forces in the implementation of the project.
“Development by market forces and capitalism economy cannot save Kampung Baru,” he added.
On the fate of the homeless in the city centre in the wake of the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO), he said the ministry would provide three more temporary shelters that could accommodate 600 people.
The ones available, at Pusat Transit Gelandangan Kuala Lumpur and Anjung Singgah, are now full.
Since there is no data on the homeless currently, he said, the authorities would screen them so that proper aid could be given and only the deserving ones to be accommodated at the shelters for the homeless.
For example, if they are found to be drug addicts, they will be sent to drug rehabilitation centres, and for the illegal immigrants, they will be handed over to the Immigration authorities, he added. - Bernama
