More Highland Towers unit owners identified

PETALING JAYA (Sept 6): The Highland Towers Redevelopment Committee, which was initiated by the Housing and Local Government (KPKT), has discovered the ownership status of more units within the doomed Highland Towers condominium at Bukit Antarabangsa, Kuala Lumpur, said the ministry in a press statement today.

KPKT minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said in the past two months the committee has identified the ownership status for another 21 units – 11 units have owners who are still alive, while the owners of another four units have passed away without leaving any heirs, whereas the owners of the remaining six units are absent.

According to the Malaysia Insolvency Department, there are a total 150 units spread across  three towers, with 50 units in each tower.

Since the redevelopment committee was formed at end-June, they have identified the ownership status of a total 148 units – besides the 21 units mentioned earlier, 111 units belong to Regal Fields Development Sdn Bhd, 12 units to owners in the midst of applying for compensation, four units to owners with no intention to claim compensation and two unsold units.

The ministry has also urged Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya  to review the validity of the demolition notice which was issued back in 1994 and to reapply for one if it has expired.

The Highland Towers Redevelopment Committee, which is headed by Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) secretary-general Datuk Mohammad Mentek, will have another meeting  tomorrow (Sept 7) to further discuss on possible redevelopment projects.

Meanwhile, on the construction of an incinerator in Taman Beringin, Kepong, Zuraida said the Department of National Solid Waste Management (JPSPN) is now reviewing this project and is looking for alternative locations, in case there is a need to build an incinerator.

Besides this, KPKT said it is also in the midst of drawing up guidelines to make the management of markets across the country more uniform.

It also reminded the local authorities to enforce existing laws to ensure that traders keep their area clean.