Seri Semarak SMI Traders Offered Ex-gratia, Relocation Assistance - Afdlin Shauki

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- The relocation of 98 traders from the Seri Semarak Small and Medium Industry (SMI) premises in Setapak Jaya is moving towards a resolution, with the developer offering ex-gratia payments and relocation assistance while three alternative sites have been identified.

Setiawangsa Parliamentary Zone Coordinator Datuk Afdlin Shauki Aksan said the commitments were reached through intensive negotiations involving various parties, including government agencies and developer 59 Inc Sdn Bhd.

He said the 98 affected business operators, who have operated in the area for 31 years, would be able to choose from three alternative sites owned by the Land and Mines Office (PTG).

“Our approach from the outset has not been about determining who wins or loses, but finding a middle ground. The business operators accept that they need to vacate the area to make way for development, while the developer is prepared to assist with the transition through ex-gratia payments and relocation assistance.

“This is not a straightforward issue as there is a court order that must be respected. However, behind the issues of land and buildings are people, business operators, workers and families who depend on the businesses here for their livelihoods,” he told a press conference on the demolition and vacating of the Seri Semarak SMI premises at Surau Al-Jabbar, Jalan Air Keroh Dalam, here today.

On the proposed new sites, Afdlin Shauki said with the PTG’s collaboration, three options had been identified that involved in Mukim Batu, comprising two areas, and one in Cheras to enable the operators to continue their businesses legally.

“Now it is up to the SMI committee to make the choice. The KSN (Chief Secretary to the Government)’s Office will also help expedite the land approval process, and once the location is selected, developer 59 Inc will come in to carry out site-clearing works,” he said.

“At the new site, we will ensure that the traders have Temporary Occupation Licences and valid business licences from Kuala Lumpur City Hall so that issues concerning status or the risk of eviction do not recur in the future,” he said, while reaffirming his commitment to safeguarding the affected traders’ interests.

He said the commitment to expedite the relocation process and resolve the issue had also received attention at the highest level of government and had been recorded in the post-Cabinet meeting.

Afdlin Shauki, who is also the Setiawangsa Parliamentary Zone Federal Territories Residents’ Representative Council Chairman, said the status of Surau Al-Jabbar in the area will not be affected by the development.

Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur Community Welfare Movement Organisation chairman Hussen Zulkarai called on the authorities and developer to set a clear and expedited timeline for the relocation of the affected traders.

“The physical structures have indeed been demolished, but there are thousands of livelihoods to sustain, involving the business operators, workers and their families. We hope the relocation process to the new site can be expedited so that their sources of income are not disrupted for too long,” he said.

-- BERNAMA