SHAH ALAM – Any action on the demolition of residents’ houses for the widening of the Sungai Kedondong project in Paya Jaras Hilir will be postponed until 16 September, Sungai Buloh MP R Sivarasa said.
The Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development said the decision was reached through discussions with the Political Secretary to Selangor Menteri Besar, Borhan Aman Shah, and members of the Paya Jaras Action Committee on 4 September.
He said he would also hold further discussions with Amirudin Shari to reach a decision on the demands of residents seeking to postpone the demolition until December this year.
“Notice of evacuation has been given to about 70 houses erected on the banks of the river. In fact, through discussions with Borhan Aman Shah, we will postpone any action until 16 September 16,” he said.
“Next week (Tuesday), we will be discussing with Dato’ Menteri Besar, who is currently abroad, as residents are asking for a postponement until December to enable them to settle their family affairs and find a replacement home,” he added.
He said this when he met reporters outside the main entrance of the SUK Building compound, here, on 4 September.
On 5 August, residents were given written notice to vacate the house within 30 days for the demolition process which ends on 5 September.
However, two days after the notice, the committee member submitted a memorandum and a letter of appeal withholding notice to help residents prepare for a home, as well as to provide access to the children who would sit for the UPSR examination.
Furthermore, Sivarasa said the river widening project was delayed twice before in 2005 and 2007 as the state government had to pay compensation to the appointed contractor.
“It is also a pressure on the state government to start with this widening project as we need it to help resolve the frequent flooding issues in Paya Jaras,” he said.
“People understand that they cannot live near the river, but the issue is in the humanitarian sense because they need a reasonable amount of time to move and make preparations for temporary housing.”
In the same development, Sivarasa said all the residents were offered in writing to buy the RM 42,000 Selangorku House that is expected to be completed by 2021 as compensation.
“They are compensated in the form of an opportunity to buy a house, but they do not have to wait long because they are given priority and will continue to own a home,” Sivarasa said.
“The matter will also be discussed at the meeting with the Dato’ Menteri Besar, but it will take some time and we will try to resolve it next week,” he added.
