KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 — The public's response to the month-long exhibition on the Kampung Baru development plan has been lukewarm.

Kampung Baru Development Corporation (PKB) principal assistant director Zamri Saharin for urban planning said so far, they have only received 250 feedback forms from the public.

“The exhibition began in April but the feedback has not been encouraging. Of the 250 forms, there were only a handful of objections regarding the plan. We hope more will share their views (with PKB),” he said.

PKB chairman Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz agreed that attendance at the exhibition has been disappointing. 

“The exhibition is there for all to see but we are very disappointed over the poor response.

“Our doors are always open and the public can contact us should they have any inquiries about the planned development,” he said.

Kampung Baru is estimated to have 18,372 residents, 5,300 land owners and 3,840 housing units.

Astaman agreed the corporation needs to head to the respective villages and to ensure the people are briefed accordingly, adding that the residents  will have final say on the project.

“We are here not to decide for the people. Instead, we are here to help the land owners uncover the true value of their land while adhering to the guiding principles such as Malay land ownership and maintaining the character of Kampung Baru.

“While the development will be modern and iconic, it will reflect Malay-Islamic values,” said Astaman. 

He said it would be difficult to please everyone and the final decision would be that of the majority.

Astaman said he had met 2,388 landowners or 56 per cent of the total registered landowners in the area.

“From that number, 88 per cent of them have agreed to our proposal and are willing to allow their land to be redeveloped.

“Land owners would be given temporary homes or rental allowance while the area is being redeveloped,” he said.

“Hopefully by that time, we will have a refined financing plan that is workable and equitable and we are optimistic that it can be done.”

The exhibition, which is being held at the Rohas building in Jalan Raja Abdullah, will end at 7pm tomorrow.