COMMENT The first Monday of every October is designated by the UN as the World Habitat Day. The main purpose to celebrate this date among others is to reflect on the basic right of all to adequate shelter.

The UN has dedicated one day to highlight the plight of people fighting for roof over their heads as it seems that the right to a home is one of the most fundamental human rights. With this, let me argue the case of Kampong Hakka in Mantin, Negri Sembilan.

When I first stepped into Kampong Hakka a year ago, I was amazed that a Chinese new village complete with a temple, community hall and school existed there and I was further shocked to learn that all the people living there have been declared illegal settlers just because some rich company had bought their land.