Two seek deal over MRT plan

Court sets July 17 for mention of outcome

KUALA LUMPUR: Two landowners are negotiating a settlement with the developers of the multi-billion-ringgit Klang Valley mass rapid transit (MRT) project over the acquisition of their land here.

High Court (Appellate and Special Powers) judge Justice Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim set July 17 for mention to know the outcome of the negotiations.

Federal Counsel Haryati Ahmad, from the Attorney-general’s Chambers who acted for the Government and other respondents, said the parties informed the judge in chambers yesterday that the landowners and Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) were still negotiating the possible settlement.

Lawyer W.L. Yau acted for Spirit Domain Sdn Bhd while Shahrul Fazli Kamarulzaman represented Mayland Century Sdn Bhd.

Mayland Century Sdn Bhd and Spirit Domain Sdn Bhd, the registered owners of the land, have applied to the High Court for leave for judicial review.

Both Mayland Century and Spirit Domain are seeking to quash the declaration of the Federal Territory Lands and Mines director on the intended acquisition of 1,492 sqmand 199 sq m of their land respectively for the project.

In their papers filed on Feb 20, Mayland Century asked for the land acquisition proceedings to be stayed pending disposal of the application.

Mayland Century stated that the Lands and Mines director, in making the declaration to acquire the lands, had acted without sufficient grounds, unfairly and contrary to the rules of natural justice.

It named the director and the Federal Territory land administrator as respondents.

Spirit Domain named the FT Lands and Mines director, the Government and MRT Corp as respondents.

Alternatively, Spirit Domain wants the court to issue an order declaring that the decision to acquire the lands was null and void.