More than 30 low-cost flats in Kuala Lumpur slated for urban renewal

• Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim: Many units at such flats measure only 450sq ft. They need to be increased to 800sq ft or more.

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 15): More than 30 low-cost flats in the city have been identified for urban renewal, according to a report by The Star today.

This will involve the “sprucing up of the areas and upgrading the amenities”.

It is with this in mind that Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim (pictured) has planned engagement sessions soon to get views from the residents who will benefit from this renewal.

“These meetings are to identify the issues that they are facing and collate their suggestions for improvements.

“The feedback gathered will be used to formulate action plans to tackle the problems in these areas,” Shahidan said at a media conference after launching the 13th International Conference on World-Class Sustainable Cities 2022 here.

He revealed that experts are currently “identifying several flats” for the redevelopment effort, reported The Star.

“Many units at such flats measure only 450sq ft. They need to be increased to 800sq ft or more,” Shahidan said, adding that the matter was complicated, as some units were owned by private individuals and others by DBKL.

“For privately-owned units, there are some processes that need to be completed and this may take time.

“But if land acquisition is involved, occupants of DBKL-owned units will be compensated with the same amount as private owners,” he explained.

According to the same report, two engagement sessions will be held this week involving Flat Seri Perlis 2 in Kampung Datuk Keramat and Flat Sri Langkawi 1 in Setapak.

The sessions to be conducted by DBKL and independent experts will “obtain preliminary input from the residents”.