PKNS allocates nearly RM90 million for new Bukit Baja Orang Asli settlement

The Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) has allocated nearly RM90 million for a cluster-based solution to develop and relocate the Bukit Baja Orang Asli community in Cyberjaya. State Housing and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Borhan Aman Shah stated that the initiative aims to ensure the welfare of the Orang Asli community remains protected amid the development of the Cyber Valley area. The state government and PKNS considered various factors, including the duration of the community's settlement on the land, before deciding on the compensation and relocation arrangements. Support provided includes RM7,000 for relocation and demolition costs, a 1,000-square-foot house, and a RM100,000 cash goodwill payment. PKNS will also provide a special RM3 million contribution to set up a Customary Fund, an Education Fund, and a Village Committee Fund. Compensation for residents' crops and farms was evaluated, with payments of up to RM200,000 per acre depending on the land size and crop type. PKNS deputy group chief executive officer Md Kamarzan Md Rais emphasized that the relocation aligns with the core principle of inclusive development, ensuring physical progress moves together with safeguarding the welfare and dignity of the original community. PKNS is committed to standing with the community throughout every stage of the project, ensuring their rights, needs, and voices are heard. At the ceremony, PKNS issued the first payment, amounting to 10% of the land compensation, to 100 settlers. PKNS is planning to develop a new settlement on an 8.87-acre site chosen by the Orang Asli chief (tok batin) and community representatives. The proposed development includes 56 single-storey houses, each measuring 1,000 square feet, along with facilities such as a community hall, kindergarten, a treatment space, the tok batin's office, Village Development and Management Committee office, a surau, and three shop lots. PKNS issued compensation cheques as an initial phase payment of RM10,000 to 56 heads of households on Jan 25.

(Source：Thesun)