Tanjung Tokong - Land Ownership and Development

Land Ownership and Development

The Resident's Association of Tanjong Tokong currently represents the majority of the people in this residential area. Today the association is working towards finding a solution to the destruction of the village, particularly on the original site at the back road which has a history which dates back to 200 years. The people here hope that the redevelopment of the village would follow the guidelines for conservation of traditional heritage villages although the village has not been categorized as one and is zoned for demolition.

In 1974, the development of the area was transferred to the Urban Development Authority (UDA) which constructed low cost high rise flats for the residents. Since this kind of high rise gives the impression that these people were squatters, the Resident’s association has repeatedly rejected further construction of high rise flats and instead have proposed a model Malay village to be designed and the older area facing the back road to be preserved as a heritage village, similar to Kampung Seronok. They want their history and identity to be preserved through a sustainable development of built heritage.

Residents here reject the idea that they were squatters and have expressed concern that land reclaimed for housing in Tanjong Tokong has been converted into an upmarket seafront residential enclave.

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