Land transfer may cause trader to lose home of 30 years

30/04/2008 The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: For nearly 30 years he stayed in the same house. But now furniture businessman Lee Kim Loong is being forced out of his home after the land ownership was transferred without his knowledge.

Lee’s late uncle had occupied the land decades ago under a Temporary Occupancy Licence (TOL), and after his death last year the 52-year-old had applied for the land.

Wong Jee Yai, political secretary to Pandan MP Datuk Ong Tee Keat, said when they checked with the Hulu Langat land office, they were told that the land had a private owner now.

To make matters worse, Wong said unknown parties had posted notices on Lee’s house stating that the land was private property and the building would be demolished.

“The original residents who have stayed on the land for 30 years and who have applied to the land office should be given priority to own the land.

“Also, the notices were malicious in nature and had caused fear among the residents. They made a police report on April 25,” he said.

Wong added that Ong would bring the matter to the attention of the Selangor Mentri Besar.

Pandan Wanita MCA chief Cindy Leong added that Lee also received a poison pen letter last month threatening him to vacate his home immediately.

She proposed that people applying for government land for residential purposes be limited to one application only to prevent incidences of those trying to make a quick buck.