Former Batu Estate workers and their families still staying in the original estate workers’ quarters had reason to celebrate as their accomodation and compensation issues were said to be settled.
The residents’ lawyer – SP Muthu Veloo – was apparently able to negotiate a deal with the developer/owner of this former Batu Estate land whereby the residents were going to be compensated with money and housing.
Also sharing their euphoria were several squatter families who moved in sometime ago. But have the issues really been settled? Their current living conditions are deplorable. The private land they live on is now privately owned by Mayland Development Sdn Bhd. These residents have been living in their shacks beside the high rise Royal Domain Sri Putramas condominiums off Jalan Kuching, Segambut in Kuala Lumpur.
However, things have become cloudy with the appearance of M Saravanan, the deputy minister of Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing, and this has had the residents apprehensive.
The residents are now demanding for proper representation and proper agreements. These negotiations have been dragging on for many years and needs, they say, a just closure.
Video by R. Vijay Kumar, Citizen Journalist
Yalinie Mathan
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