Cops believe 'outsiders' instigated Kg Sungai Baru commotion

KUALA LUMPUR: Police believe that “outsiders” had instigated the unrest which led to the Dang Wangi police chief being injured during an operation to vacate homes in Kampung Sungai Baru today as part of the area’s redevelopment plan.

This led to police making several arrests, said City police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus.

He said investigations revealed the presence of outsiders, who were believed to have provoked the unrest.

“Even residents here admitted there were outsiders who caused the incidents.

“I will take firm action against anyone who disrupts public order,” he told reporters during a press conference at the site.

Fadil also confirmed that Dang Wangi police chief, Assistant Commissioner Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman, was injured after being hit by an object during the commotion.

“This is something I am very upset about. This is what we do not want to happen in such a situation.

“He (Sulizmie Affendy) is being treated at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital.”

He added that a member of the public was also believed to have sustained a hand injury, adding that he was in the midst of confirming this.

Before the press conference, Fadil had also met with residents, urging them to be his “eyes and ears” on the ground and to be on the lookout for outsiders with vested interests who might attempt to stir unrest.

“Our role is to uphold the law and ensure peace and order. We will remain firm until this process is completed,” he said.

An operation to vacate several homes in Kampung Sungai Baru, following a court order to facilitate the area’s redevelopment plan, turned tense today when residents demanded access to the area.

The operation was reportedly led by a court bailiff, with the cooperation of relevant agencies.

The residents had gathered at the site since early morning. At 10am, following a series of speeches by their representative, they tried to force their way into the area.

However, they were barred from doing so by policemen on duty.

Sulizmie Affendy was injured in the commotion.

The enforcement, which involved reclaiming 26 individual lots comprising 37 terrace houses, was carried out following a court directive for vacant possession and demolition of the affected structures.

Located near the Kuala Lumpur city centre, Kampung Sungai Baru’s redevelopment had been delayed for nine years.

Discussions began in 2016 on the planned redevelopment, which would involve building 328 residential units across 3.2 hectares.

However, problems began when a minority group expressed dissatisfaction with the developer’s joint venture (JV) agreement and compensation.

A number had disagreed with the compensation rate of RM400 per square foot set by the Federal Territories Director of Lands and Mines Office.

Some residents have since refused to vacate the area, affecting the redevelopment work.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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