Johari said the developer for the project in Kampung Baru here had approached him because about 5% of the residents have still not moved out from their units.

“This has posed a challenge to the developer. They want the remaining residents to move out and have asked me to help because it’s been five years (since the majority moved out).

“The developers who want the remaining residents to move have come seeking my help because they cannot afford to keep up with their rent payments,” he told reporters at a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house here in Kampung Baru today.

“The issue (over the remaining residents’ refusal to move out) is related to compensation, which can be settled in court.”

When the development was first proposed by the developer, Johori warned about the potential complications that would arise.

To resolve the impasse, Johari urged the government to intervene since 95% of the residents had accepted the compensation and moved out. He said it would also prevent a situation where the developer could go bankrupt.

Kampung Sungai Baru comprises 264 flat units and 64 terrace houses on 5.23ha of land.

The owners of flats and houses would be given replacement units in the new high-rise development project.

The project began in 2016 but stalled as some residents refused to cooperate, prompting the developer to use Section 8 of the Land Acquisition Act 1960 in 2021, ordering them to vacate.

Last December, the Kuala Lumpur lands and minerals department director-general issued an eviction notice to Kampung Sungai Baru landowners who held a 99-year lease despite many of them still having 57 years remaining.