Johari said the project has seen no development even though 95% of the residents have been relocated.

The plantation industries and commodities minister said he had discussed the matter with the developer several times, but the company had given him various excuses.

“I suggest that if you are unable to carry out the project, surrender the land to the government, and we can find other developers or government agencies that are more able,” he told reporters after a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house organised by his ministry today.

Johari said the project has to resume immediately for the sake of the residents who willingly sacrificed their houses for it.

He said the Kampung Sungai Baru area had been left neglected and unmanaged as the project had been postponed for too long.

“The people have moved, the buildings are empty, the place has become like a centre for people to take drugs. We can even see rats,” he said.

Last November, Johari had said that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had given an order that the project should no longer be delayed.