Here at SK Salak South, listen to a tale of transformation and community. Salak South is a town in Kuala Lumpur. It sits at the city’s southern tip. Once, Salak South was just two rows of shops. Now, it has seen rapid development. There are more houses and it acts as a satellite city.
In Salak South is a village. It is known as Kampung Baru Salak Selatan. This area shows a strong sense of community. People who moved away still visit. They come to see old friends. This is something modern places often lack.
Let’s jump back to 1952. Kg Baru Salak South was established then. Every family got a plot of land. It was about 4,800 sq ft. They built their houses with a 10ft gap. The land was also for planting vegetables or raising poultry. Some residents near a pond even farmed fish. Fruit trees grew between houses. This created spaces for residents to gather and share.
These village features are now in modern developments. They enhance community and sustainability. Despite some older houses, many have been renovated. They are spacious for multiple generations. This concept is now being rediscovered.
The New Village has a unique charm. It mixes old houses with modern bungalows. The interactions between villagers create a lively spirit. This energy cannot be replicated in new developments.
Preserving cultural diversity is key to rejuvenating the New Village. Technology is essential. Infrastructure is essential. However, these should not disrupt the village feel. The cultural and historical value are valuable assets. These open up business opportunities. Low-rise houses maintain the village look. Creative cultural industries and tourism can create jobs.
However, there are challenges to face. Infrastructure is aging. This may endanger residents’ lives. Land use zoning is needed. This protects homes from demolition or other developments.
Kg Baru Salak South faces shrinking boundaries. Plots of land are sold to private companies. High-rises are built on the village border. Some houses become vehicle service workshops. This affects the living environment with pollution and noise. Some residents move out as infrastructure declines.
Houses in Kg Baru Salak South are popular among investors. This is despite a remaining lease period of about 60 years. Prices are high. Private companies buy houses for factories or land hoarding.
Despite loving the Kampung Baru lifestyle, it may not suit younger families. The village’s future seems uncertain. Proposals include improving roads and landscaping. Aquaponics and turning green spaces into a park are other proposals. If successful, Kg Baru Salak South could be a model for other New Village projects. There are over 600 New Villages. They could offer huge economic potential.