Police held Terengganu PKR Youth Chief Fariz Musa was for more than four hours today, for allegedly obstructing the demolition of squatter houses in Kampung Paya Bunga, Kuala Terengganu.

Released on police bail at 3.20pm, he is being investigated under Section 186 of the Penal Code.

Also arrested was the owner of one of the 12 houses that were torn down around 11am.

pkr youth samy vellu police report 160607 fariz musa Fariz (left) said the operation, which began early this morning, was carried out by 60 enforcement officers comprising the police, land office and the local council.

“The authorities demolished all the houses before the families could even move out their belongings,” he claimed when contacted.

Ten houses were being still occupied, and five families are currently homeless, he said.

The residents, all low-income earners, have been occupying the land and paying rent since 1934. They had obtained temporary residential licences.  

“Most of them live below the poverty line and receive financial aid from the Welfare Department,” said Fariz.

“They were asked by the land office to vacate their homes by last Sunday, failing which they would be fined RM50,000 and jailed for five years.”

ahmad said terengganu mb pc 230408 01 The residents had sent a memorandum to Menteri Besar Ahmad Said (right) on Feb 21, to request that the demolition exercise be deferred. Also ignored was their request for compensation.

The MB offered to assist them with moving their belongings instead. They were offered low-cost housing units, but the residents were required to pay a deposit of RM3,000, which is beyond their means.

“The low-cost housing is located 20km from Kuala Terengganu and is very far from their places of work,” Fariz added.

The land that they have been occupying is to be used to build a multilevel car park.