A heavy police presence was seen at Kampung Jalan Papan here this morning as demolition works began in several parts of the village.
More than 30 police personnel were stationed at one section alone, where three houses were slated for demolition.
One resident who asked to be known as Foo said his home was set to be demolished soon even though he had not been offered an alternative place to stay.
“They have not even given me a place to move, so where do they expect me to go with all my belongings?” he said, adding that he had lived in the village for more than 50 years.
Another resident, who did not want to be named, expressed frustration with the situation and what he described as a lack of support.
“I have nothing left to think about this government anymore, honestly. We live here, and they’ve never helped us. What else can I feel? Just wait to grow old and die here.
“I feel that if my children have the ability, they should go overseas and never come back to Malaysia. There’s no hope left,” he said.
He also questioned the decision to proceed with the demolition without compensation, saying the residents had “waited all this time”.
“If compensation was offered and we refused to move, it would be our fault. In this case, you’re offering nothing and still insisting that we relocate.
“Yes, this land belongs to (the state). But without the people here who helped develop the area, would these roads even exist today?” he asked.
Former Klang MP Charles Santiago and Parti Sosialis Malaysia had earlier urged the Selangor government to halt the demolition of vacant houses in the village for a redevelopment project, warning that close to 100 families could be displaced.
On Oct 23, the state government said only empty houses and business premises would be demolished. However, on Oct 27, residents received a fresh notice instructing them to vacate their homes.
Villagers have since appealed to Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari to intervene and suspend the demolition.
