KUALA LUMPUR: The Kampung Baru Development Association(PPKB) on Friday, Feb 11 expressed its unhappiness that the Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru, here is being made as the starting point and transformation icon for the area.

PPKB president Dr Mohd Yusof Ismail said the landowners and inheritors in Kampung Baru said it was inappropriate that the Masjid Jamek was being made as the catalyst for development for the area.

On Feb 5, 2011, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced that Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru would become the starting point and transformation icon for the area which would be turned into a high-value, sophisticated and modern area.

He announced an allocation of RM20 million to fund the renovation and upgrading of the mosque that would begin within the next six months with the allocation being channelled through the government-owned strategic development company 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Mohd Yusof said that according to the professional view among urban and regional development practitioners, a mega project was needed to act as a catalyst in efforts to develop a particular area.

As an example, the Kuala Lumpur City Centre was made as the nucleus for the development of the KLCC area with the construction of the Petronas Twin Towers and high-rise buildings such as the Maxis in the area, he said in a statement.

"The development of Kampung Baru cannot begin with such a small allocation (RM20 million)," he said.

He wanted to know the development on the RM500 million Menara Kembar Puncak Baru launched by former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in 2009 which was described as an appropriate catalyst for the development of Kampung Baru.

The PPKB also urged that other issues related to the development of Kampung Baru such as the Kampung Baru Corporation Bill — its suitability and effects on the landowners and the proposed method of the handing over of land ownership to the residents, be resolved immediately. — Bernama

SHARE