FT compulsory land acquisition laws under scrutiny once again
Murray Hunter JUST a couple of years ago, the Kampong Baru saga laid bare the sharp edges of Malaysia’s compulsory land acquisition regime. Hundreds of residents in the historic Malay enclave in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, particularly those in Kampun...
The Malaysian compulsory land acquisition laws are facing renewed scrutiny as KLRA+SD files a constitutional challenge against key provisions of the Land Acquisition Act 1960. The group argues that the process denies property owners a fair opportunity to be heard before acquisition decisions are made, violating principles of natural justice and the Federal Constitution.
The case revisits the Kampong Baru saga, where hundreds of residents faced forced sales of their homes for private redevelopment projects. Compensation awards were criticized as inadequate, leading to protests during evictions. Now, the same law is being challenged for its arbitrary, disproportionate or excessive use that can clash with national interest.
Critics argue that the Act should only be used for genuine public purposes and not as a tool for private commercial ventures. The High Court will now determine if these provisions still stand up under contemporary urban Malaysia.
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