Squatters of Medan Harun Indah in Petaling Jaya approached the Works Ministry for assistance today as local authorities prepare to demolish their houses Saturday to make way for a multi-million ringgit highway.

About 20 squatters and leaders of their action committee attempted to meet with Works Minister S Samy Vellu at his office in Kuala Lumpur but could only speak to an aide who promised them that the ministry would ask the Malaysian Highway Board (LLM ) for a report.

The squatters are hoping that the ministry will stall the project until their compensation demands are met by the developer.

They were accompanied by DAP members of Parliament Fong Kui Lun (Bukit Bintang), Tan Kok Wai (Cheras), Teresa Kok (Seputeh) and Fong Po Kuan (Batu Gajah).

Construction of the 19.6km New Pantai Expressway (NPE) connecting key spots in the Klang Valley started in 1997 and is due for completion by 2003. The highway cuts across several squatter areas along the Old Klang Road.

Personal interest

When contacted by malaysiakini , state assembly representative for Taman Medan Norkhaila Jamaluddin said the Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (MPPJ) enforcers and district council officers were scheduled to "ambush" the area come Saturday.

"This matter has been going on for two years and the residents still insist on wanting more compensation. I think it is more for their own personal interest and it is the followers who are to suffer," Norkhaila said.

The NPE would affect about 210 people in the area, but according to Norkhaila, about 110 of them have already opted for the compensation offered by the developers.

"I have already told those who have not accepted the offer to first move out to their homes allotted for them in Subang Valley, and then they can appeal for whatever they want," she added.

However, she said it was MPPJ's policy that once the squatter areas are demolished, appeals usually go unheard.

Refuting claims she had not done enough for the squatters there, Norkhaila said she had repeatedly written to the developers and the authorities to stall any actions. And efforts had also been made to facilitate the residents in getting the keys to their new homes.

"I have written many letters on their behalf, I have done my best and I cannot do anymore than that," said Norkhaila..

"I also do not think it is justified that the squatters ask for more compensation. They have been staying there for more than 20 to 30 years and they never had to pay quit rent and utilities. Now that the government is asking to develop the area, they should support it," Norkhaila said.

Compensation woes

Last year, the squatters were promised a compensation package worth RM11,000 plus rental for two years in the resettlement area and guaranteed new lost-cost houses which are currently under construction.

However, in July they were told that they would be given 18 months of rental plus RM1,000 instead, of which some RM300 will be deducted for water and electricity deposits in their new temporary homes, leaving them with slightly more than RM700 as moving cost.

The remaining residents who have not moved out accused the developer of 'reneging' on the compensation agreed on last year and have asked for a RM15,000 compensation.

The development of the NPE is managed by the New Pantai Expressway Sdn Bhd now owned by Road Builders Bhd after being bought over from the Berjaya Group.

According to an NPE Sdn Bhd executive, the change in ownership has created a "complicated situation" for the company.

Earlier while speaking to reporters, Umno Youth chief for Medan Harun Indah, Misfan Tumira, said the squatters would not move until the developer and the authorities convene a meeting with them to discuss their demands.

"We are still waiting to have discussions with them and they have to listen," said Misfan, adding they also wished to meet with Selangor Mentri Besar Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo.