PETALING JAYA, May 17 — The Selangor government, which holds the key to reviving the ailing Bukit Beruntung township, continues to remain silent.

National Housing Department deputy director-general Kang Ban Aik said the Urban Well Being, Housing and Local Government Ministry was ready to help but there must be commitment from the Selangor Menteri Besar’s office.

“We are not walking away. We will try to help by setting up a team to work on the matter,” he said.

“But because of land ownership issues, the state government will have to come up with a plan and get the stakeholders to play their roles and work together.”

Kang said the housing projects in the area were completed and had been issued certificates of fitness.

“However, there are several commercial lots that have been left abandoned as the developers failed to complete them. Many house buyers also decided not to move in. The homes unoccupied are run down.

“We are ready to render our expertise but the state government must lead the revival efforts.”

Kang said the ministry would consider applications from building managements of low and medium-cost houses there to repaint buildings, manage water tanks and repair lifts.

“But we’ve not received any applications so far.”

Malay Mail, had in its frontpage special report ‘‘Hill of no returns’’ on April 18, revealed the plight of the ghost town. Those who invested in properties there some 20 years ago are still reeling over the losses.

Neighbourhoods are now invaded by foreigners and squatters. Only a handful of families live in some of the housing estates, creating a quiet and eerie feeling, especially at night.

Bukit Beruntung, about 50km north of Kuala Lumpur, was supposed to be a huge thriving township.

“During its early days, an international airport and other mega projects were supposed to be developed there. This led to plenty of market speculation that saw people rushing to buy properties there. Instead, the big projects, including the KL International Airport, were developed elsewhere,” Kang said.

“There is no economic activity and as such, there is no attraction for people to live and create business opportunities in Bukit Beruntung.

“If this continues and there is no commitment from the stakeholders, there is no point reviving Bukit Beruntung,” he said.

The Hulu Selangor District Council admitted there must be a concerted effort by the state and federal governments to inject life into the township.

However, the state government, including its executive councillor for housing, development management and urban living Iskandar Samad, has not responded to queries by Malay Mail.