Taman Desa homeowners awarded RM6 million after prolonged land dispute
Compensation payouts varied between RM350,000 and RM950,000, depending on factors such as the size of the land, its current market value, and additional costs incurred due to the loss.
KUALA LUMPUR - Fourteen terraced house owners in Jalan Bukit Desa, Taman Desa, here have been awarded RM6 million in compensation after a prolonged land dispute that spanned years.
The dispute arose when portions of the homeowners’ land were utilised for the construction of a public road, causing significant frustration and inconvenience to the affected residents.
According to The Star, Datuk Edmund Lim, one of the affected residents, received the highest compensation amounting to nearly RM1 million in November.
Compensation payouts varied between RM350,000 and RM950,000, depending on factors such as the size of the land, its current market value, and additional costs incurred due to the loss.
“I am relieved that this matter is finally resolved. While I would have preferred to reclaim my land, the compensation is the best possible resolution,” said Lim.
He also expressed hope that this case would serve as a reminder for local authorities, developers and landowners to exercise due diligence in land use and property boundary matters.
The dispute, involving 21 lots on Jalan Bukit Desa, including the 14 terraced houses, garnered public attention in 2022.
Lim protested the encroachment by placing a steel container and traffic cones on the road outside his home for two weeks.
He repeated this action in October 2023, using barriers and construction signs to draw attention to the issue.
A land surveyor hired by Lim confirmed that his property was 1,009 square feet smaller than originally intended due to calculation errors by the housing developer.
In January, affected residents met with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to address the issue.
By June, DBKL initiated legal proceedings to acquire the privately owned sections of land used for the road.
In October, the Federal Territory Land and Mines Office (PTGWP) issued compensation award notices.
Payments began late last month, providing long-awaited relief for the homeowners.
DBKL clarified that the land acquisition process was carried out under Sections 4 and 8 of the Land Acquisition Act 1960.
The affected lots included 43137–43151, 43152, 1566, 1567, and 43154–43156.
