KUALA LUMPUR: More engagement sessions with residents regarding the de-gazettement of land in Kampung Bohol need to be held, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said.
Following recent protests held by residents opposing a proposed housing project in the area, Nik Nazmi said he acknowledged the lack of engagement with them but notes that efforts to involve the community were increasing.
"Communication is key. And I agree that more needs to be done to engage with local communities," he said, appearing on the New Straits Times' podcast, Beyond The Headlines.
"I don't think there's enough engagement, but I would say the engagement is increasing. I maintain an open-door policy and meet with non-governmental organisations frequently, though these discussions can get very heated."
He added that given the government's track record of de-gazetting public land, it was understandable that residents would have reservations about plans to sell off gazetted land.
"What is important is to listen (to them) and address their concerns because, to be fair to the communities, they have been brushed aside for so long. And after so many things that have happened, when people say that they are lying or just exaggerating — it turned out to be true.
"So, I think to be fair to the community as well, they need some people who can engage. So I try and I drag everyone to come down with me. It's unpleasant but that has been my approach," he said.
Nik Nazmi acknowledged concerns about flood retention ponds being sold for development, leading to public scepticism.
"But I understand (the distrust) because we have seen flood and retention ponds before that were sold off for development, and not just for better administration.
"And it was to be turned into development, and not just for better administration."
Nik Nazmi lauded the Kg Bohol residents for speaking up but advised the public to avoid "nimbyism" (not in my backyard) behaviour.
"Hats off to the residents because we need to be on guard because things can happen without anyone at the top noticing."
"But there are going to be certain projects that we need to carry out for the good of the country or the community. The thing is, no one wants it in their backyard.
"(For example) upgrading our grids is essential for increasing renewable energy use.
"Although there are misconceptions about living near power lines, these upgrades are crucial for transitioning to a more sustainable energy system.
"While some may use environmental arguments to oppose these sorts of projects, we must consider the overall gains and make informed decisions for the greater good," he said.
On Thursday, the NST reported that a housing developer had committed RM40 million to "upgrade" the Kampung Bohol retention pond along the Kesas Highway as part of its winning bid for a housing project tender.
Aside from the requirement to upgrade the retention pond, the developer will also fork out RM41.7 million for the premium of six plots of adjacent land measuring 10.84ha.
The developer was later identified as Platinum Victory Sdn Bhd.
A company official said pending final guidelines, it expects to finalise the project in three months.
Residents, meanwhile, had questioned the rationale behind awarding prime land to the housing developer in exchange for the company's promise of deepening the pond for a mere RM40 million. They claimed that the area was already cramped with buildings and any new housing project would only lead to further congestion and other issues.