PENANG, 4 Sept 2009: The Kampung Buah Pala saga looks headed for an amicable settlement as 22 houseeowners agreed to accept an offer from the developer, Nusmetro Ventures (P) Sdn Bhd.
Nusmetro Director Thomas Chan said a meeting was held with Kampung Buah Pala residents yesterday, and they had agreed to accept an offer made by the developer.
“During the meeting, 22 houseowners signed letters of offer by the developer and agreed to shift peacefully,” he told reporters here today.
Chan said they were offered a double-storey house and RM8,000 in expenses for shifting.
“We will start demolition works next week and carry on with the development as soon as possible. However, we will still give them time on compassionate grounds,” he said.
Yesterday, Kampung Buah Pala Residents Association chairperson M Sugumaran had said they had no choice but to abide by the court’s decision to vacate the land.
He added that all the residents were disappointed with the situation but had to accept the offer from the developer.
On 24 June, the court had ordered the residents to evacuate the village, covering some 2.6ha, and allow the landowner, Penang Government Officers Cooperative, and the developer to start work on the site. — Bernama
