KUALA LUMPUR: The seven men arrested after allegedly provoking unrest and injuring a senior police officer during Thursday’s eviction operation in Kampung Sungai Baru are believed to be members of an organisation, with one identified as its leader.
City police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said investigations were under way to establish the motives of those involved.
“I can confirm that we detained the head of an organisation together with several of its members on suspicion of inciting chaos and provocation during the eviction exercise.
“At this stage, investigations are focused on determining their roles, whether conflicts of interest were at play, or if there was another underlying agenda.
“We cannot yet confirm whether this organisation has links to gangsterism or violent crime until inquiries are concluded,” he told reporters last night.
Fadil said the case was being investigated under offences of obstructing a public servant from carrying out official duties and causing injury to Dang Wangi police chief Assistant Commissioner Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman.
“Some of those detained were also found to have prior records, including involvement in riots and burglary. We are examining all angles based on statements and interrogations of the suspects,” he added.
Earlier, it was reported that three men were arrested following a scuffle with Sulizmie, which left the Dang Wangi police chief bloodied. The clash broke out during a court-ordered operation to vacate several homes in Kampung Sungai Baru. https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2025/09/1273595/updated-kampung-sg-baru-scuffle-3-nabbed-so-far
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the operation was in line with a court ruling.
He acknowledged that some parties might be unhappy with the decision but assured that security in Kampung Sungai Baru and across Kuala Lumpur remained under control.
Khalid also urged the public to remain calm, safeguard peace and order, and verify information before taking any action.
Kampung Sungai Baru, located near Kuala Lumpur city centre, has faced redevelopment delays for nine years.
Plans to redevelop the 3.2ha site into 328 residential units were first mooted in 2016. Negotiations with residents took place from 2016 to 2020, followed by land acquisition and approvals finalised in 2021.
The acquisition involved 67 terraced houses and 14 apartment blocks. However, disputes emerged when a minority of residents rejected the joint venture agreement with the developer and objected to the compensation rate of RM400 per square foot set by the Federal Territories Director of Lands and Mines Office.
Several residents have since refused to vacate the area, stalling the redevelopment.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
