A Kampung Jalan Papan resident has criticised Pandamaran assemblyman Leong Tuck Chee for his “ineffective” response to the demolition of houses in the village, accusing him of not intervening in the matter.
The woman, in her 70s, who only wanted to be identified as Ah Lang, said the state government’s actions were unjust and distressing, and that the demolition of some of the houses was forced through.
“They cut the locks, entered houses with people still inside, and arrested anyone who protested.
“I’m staying with my son now. I have nowhere else to go. My husband didn’t want to leave. He’s nearly 80 and couldn’t bear it. He built this house himself,” said Ah Lang, whose home was demolished today.
However, Leong told FMT that assistance was available for the affected villagers.
“We have around 70 Smart Sewa housing units in Bandar Parklands. They can look for us, we can help, no problem. We will pay the rent for some of them first,” he said, adding that his team would assist the villagers.
Originally, about 100 residents were listed for a Dec 18 court hearing on the matter, but many were later removed from the list without explanation. Ah Lang said she was among those excluded, despite being a long-time resident.
After the changes, only 44 names remain on the updated list. The residents said those whose homes were demolished over the past five days were not included, and the lack of formal documentation was used against them.
Another resident, who did not want to be named, said they did not understand how the system worked.
“Some of the families here have lived on this land for generations. How were we or our parents supposed to know how the system works? We were young, they controlled everything,” the resident said.
Another resident, who managed to obtain a stay order against the demolition, also expressed anger over the situation, saying those affected would “show their feelings” in the next election.
“They said don’t vote for the opposition, but at least, they are not demolishing houses,” he said.
Former Klang MP Charles Santiago and Parti Sosialis Malaysia had earlier urged the Selangor government to halt the demolition of the houses 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.
The villagers have since appealed to Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari to intervene and suspend the demolition.
