The Kerinchi Residency project that houses 472 people is a reflection of the government's effort to improve the future of the people, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said that since 1971, the residents had lived in the dilapidated 300 sq ft to 450 sq ft four-storey flats of Kampung Kerinchi.

Now, he said, they were able to live in conducive 900 sq ft condominiums that come with a swimming pool, surau, playground and other amenities without payment under a trade-off concept.

"Compared to the previous flat that cost only RM50,000, the present (Kerinchi Residency) condominium is valued at RM500,000 or half a million ringgit.

"I have often reminded leaders that the people's interest and welfare must be given preference at all times," he said when officially opening the Kerinchi Residency and the 1Federal Territory Reception for the Lembah Pantai parliamentary constituency.

Najib said the Kerinchi Residency was a development that really met the needs and interests of the people.

Developed by Suez Domain Sdn Bhd, the project comprises 472 units of apartments on more than 2.8 hectares on the site of the four-storey Kampung Kerinchi flats.

Najib expressed his disappointment over what he said was a move by the opposition, including Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar, to foil the Kerinchi Residency project.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat reportedly influenced the residents not to sign up for the project, resulting in 35 households taking the matter to court.

"Now, they regret their action because they are without the new dwellings," he said.

Earlier, Najib also opened the air-conditioned Ittifaqiyah Addiniyah Madrasah and visited several units of the Kerinchi Residency. -- BERNAMA