Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin has criticised the eviction of several residents in Kampung Sungai Baru, Kuala Lumpur, today, saying the commotion that ensued could have been avoided.
Hamzah said the authorities could have opted to delay the execution of the writ of vacant possession issued by the court since the residents had appealed to the High Court.
The Bersatu deputy president said he also sympathised with Dang Wangi police chief Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman who was hurt after being struck with an object believed to have been thrown in the direction of the police.
“The commotion actually could have been avoided through negotiations. They could have delayed the eviction operation since the residents have filed an appeal.
“The residents only gathered to voice their dissatisfaction as this was not merely about the redevelopment of Kampung Sungai Baru but also concerned their dignity and rights to their homes and assets,” he said in a statement.
Hamzah urged the government to ensure justice for the residents and to handle the matter tactfully, calling for a humane approach to protect the welfare and rights of the parties involved.
‘A teaser of life under URA’
Separately, PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari claimed that the incident today was what could be expected if the Urban Renewal Act (URA) was enacted, urging the public to continue opposing the proposed law.
“Without discretion, developers are given full power and people are at risk of being evicted from their homes.
“We call on all Malaysians to stand up for the residents of Kampung Sungai Baru and continue to oppose the URA bill which will be brought back to Parliament in October,” he said in a Facebook post.
Earlier, KL police chief Fadil Marsus said the authorities were merely executing a writ of vacant possession issued by the court for 37 terrace houses in Kampung Sungai Baru.
However, 14 homeowners refused to vacate their homes and got into a stand-off with enforcement officers, which culminated in Sulizmie being hurt. Three people were then arrested.
The redevelopment of Kampung Sungai Baru was initiated in 2016 but had stalled due to legal issues, compensation disputes and disagreements among residents.
In July, federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the area’s long-delayed redevelopment was expected to begin in the first quarter of next year.
She said the land acquisition application under the Land Acquisition Act 1960 was submitted by the developer in October 2020 and subsequently approved by the federal territories land working committee.
Gazettement of the acquisition, involving 110 properties including 37 terrace lots, 72 flats, and a Tenaga Nasional Bhd substation, was carried out in June 2021 under Sections 4 and 8 of the Act, for residential and commercial use.
