KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 — Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said that yesterday’s eviction clash in Kampung Sungai Baru was sparked by “outsiders”, not the residents, noting that the majority had already agreed to the redevelopment project.
“It has been made clear that what happened yesterday was actually carried out by those who are not even residents there. This is very disruptive.
“I know who those outsiders are, the ones from outside the area who did propagation,” she told a press conference here today.
Dr Zaliha also dismissed claims that the redevelopment was aimed at pushing Malays out of the city, calling such allegations unfounded.
“There is no such thing as what has been sensationalised, that Malays are being forced out of the city. There is no gentrification. None at all, because we are bringing them back to the same area,” she said.
She added that the land acquisition for the project was gazetted in 2021 under the previous administration, and that the current government was working to resolve what she described as a legacy issue.
Dr Zaliha said those attempting to exploit the matter for political gain would not be allowed to do so.
“Yesterday’s incident was instigated not by the residents, but by outsiders who provoked the issue. And people are riding on this issue. I believe this should not be done, because the residents have already agreed. The majority have agreed.
“This must be clearly understood. And to those out there who want to take advantage and ride on this issue, I will certainly not allow it. Because I know what we truly want to achieve through this development,” she said.
She added that she hoped the outsiders who instigated the incident would stop exploiting the matter, as the government’s focus is on ensuring residents return to better homes in the same area once the project is completed.
Yesterday, police and enforcement agencies carried out the house eviction operation in Kampung Sungai Baru following a court order.
The situation turned tense when Dang Wangi District Police Chief ACP Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman was injured, believed to have been hit by a stone thrown by an unidentified individual while managing the situation.
