dun understand...how come gomen can simply bulldozed this area....ppl own this land and its on leasehold ka? gomen can suka2 kasi langgar...

Traders ready to make way for Imbi project
8 August 2011
By FAZLEENA AZIZ
fazleena@thestar.com.my

TRADERS and hawkers at the Bukit Bintang market in Kuala Lumpur are happy to make way for the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) project in the Imbi area.

Under the Greater Kuala Lumpur Strategic Development Project, 1MDB will acquire 30.35ha of land in the Imbi area, which will be developed and formed as part of the Kuala Lumpur International Financial District (KLIFD).

The affected areas are the Bukit Bintang market, Pasarakyat, Imbi bus station, Village Food Court, several car park lots as well as land around Jalan Barat and Jalan Davis.

The market has been operating for about 30 years with about 200 operators. Previously they used to operate in Bukit Bintang, where Lot 10 now stands.

It is well known among tourists and locals, especially for its famous Hainan Tea stall.

Clothes seller Kong Siew Yuen, 62, who has been in the market for 28 years, said he would abide by the government’s decision.

“We can make a living anywhere, it isn’t a problem for us,” he said.

Chee Cheong Fun seller Chew San Chai, 60, is also not worried about the relocation but is worried about the design of the market.

“We have many customers and tourists who flock here for theHainan Tea. So they have to ensure things are right for them.

Food operator Foo Tang Long, 49 wants the new market to be nearby to make it convenient for regular customers.

“If we move far away, then it will be difficult to make a living and have to start from scratch,” he said.

Bukit Bintang MP Fung Kui Lun, who met the hawkers at the market on Saturday, said a nearby land had been identified for the new market.

He said the market would have better facilities and all the traders would be relocated.

“They will start building the market soon and most of the hawkers have agreed to move. They have formed a committee for the relocation,” he said.

Fung also said 30% of the development area would be for a green lung with parks and waterfalls.

“They are going to spend RM26bil for this 1MDB project, which will take 20 years to complete,” he said.