Johari: Defend Malay Land Rights in Kampung Sungai Baru Redevelopment Dispute

Titiwangsa MP Johari Abdul Ghani has urged the government to safeguard Malay land rights in the controversial Kampung Sungai Baru redevelopment, warning against misuse of the Land Acquisition Act.

Speaking on TV3’s Podcast Utama, the Plantation and Commodities Minister stressed that the land carried unique historical significance, as it was awarded by the Sultan of Selangor in 1900. Unlike other Malay-held lands that allow for exemptions if Bumiputera quotas remain unsold, Johari argued Kampung Sungai Baru should remain strictly for Malay ownership.

Safeguard Malay Land Rights in Kampung Sungai Baru Land Redevelopment Row

“Because this land is an award from the Sultan… it cannot be treated like ordinary freehold land. Developers must build houses only Malays can buy,” he said.

He accused developers of exploiting uneducated residents and misusing the Land Acquisition Act by forcing redevelopment despite opposition from over 30 percent of homeowners. “How can we use the Act based on only 67 percent agreement while 33 percent disagree?” he asked.

Johari added that past ministers, including Khalid Samad, Annuar Musa and Shahidan Kassim, had failed to shield residents. “When I was MP, no one signed. After GE14, without leadership, compulsory acquisition began,” he said.

Business News