Malay residents warn of ‘bloodshed’ if Selangor executes Datum Jelatek project

By MT Webmaster On Nov 25, 2014

(Malay Mail Online) – Residents of a Malay-majority community in Taman Keramat warned today of possible “bloodshed” if Selangor proceeds with plans to construct luxury condominiums instead of affordable homes in the neighbourhood.

According to reports, the Datum Jelatek luxury condominium project sits on the former site of four blocks of Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) flats owned mostly by Malays. The flats were demolished in late 2010.

“If there is bloodshed in Taman Keramat it is not my fault. Things have heated up.The development is a threat to the residents there. We do not want to allow development that infringes on the rights of Malays especially in a 100 per cent Malay area,” Datum Jelatek action committee chairman Salleh Samad told reporters when met at the entrance of the state secretariat building here.

Salleh, who was accompanied by 12 other residents submitted a protest memorandum to Selangor Mentri Besar Azmin Ali’s press secretary Radzi Razak.

Salleh pointed out to Azmin that protests against the project began as far back as when the latter’s predecessor Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim was still running the Selangor administration.

“We want affordable housing, we are not against development. After this, there will be no more memorandums, we are tired,” Salleh added.

“The affordable housing can be bought by the current generation of the original settlers who had founded the village after the May 13 incident with the help of then-Selangor MB Datuk Haron Idris,” he said.

Salleh had previously said the planned luxury studio apartment, measuring 538 square feet each, was priced at RM700,000 and was not affordable to the Taman Keramat Malay community.

He has also alleged that the residents, who were asked to move out, were paid only a small compensation.

Salleh said based on land value, the residents should have received at least RM1 million each.

However, most received only about RM150,000.

Radzi said MB Azmin will look into the matter.