Kg Sg Baru eviction violence a 'teaser' of URA's impact, warns PAS

Summary

• PAS condemns the Kampung Sungai Baru eviction, calling it “utterly inhumane” and warning it is a “teaser” of what could happen if the URA is enforced.

• Clashes between residents and authorities during the process leave a police chief injured and tensions running high.

• Developer KL City Gateway denies wrongdoing, stressing the eviction was carried out lawfully by court bailiffs with police present.

PAS has warned that the violence which erupted during a government eviction process in Kampung Sungai Baru, Kuala Lumpur is a “teaser” of what may come if the contentious Urban Renewal Act (URA) becomes law.

In a statement today, PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said that without compassionate consideration, developers would be granted sweeping powers, leaving ordinary people at risk of being forced out of their homes.

“PAS also reminds Malaysians that what has taken place in Kampung Sungai Baru is an early warning, or a ‘teaser’, of what could happen if the URA is implemented,” he added.

Fadhli criticised the eviction process, calling it "utterly inhumane" that this took place while residents’ appeals are scheduled to be heard at the Court of Appeal on Oct 3.

PAS noted that on Aug 20, the developer secured an ex parte court order allowing entry to the area, including the cutting of padlocks and the removal of doors, windows, walls and roofs of houses to take possession.

The Islamist party said that it respects this decision, however, it accused the developer of being hasty in the latter’s move to proceed with the eviction.

"The developer should have exercised compassionate discretion and waited until the appeal process was completed. To drive residents out as if they were trespassers on their own land is cruel.

"What is even more concerning is that Order 89 clearly does not permit any demolition or use of heavy machinery. Yet, today’s enforcement involved multiple agencies including the police, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, alongside aggressive actions by the developer, thereby denying residents their rightful opportunity for legal defence.

"PAS expresses its sympathy and full solidarity with the residents of Kampung Sungai Baru who are now forced to face sudden hardship as a result of this eviction,” Fadhli said.

The party also extended its sympathy to Dang Wangi district police chief Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman, who sustained a head injury during the eviction operation.

PAS will continue to closely monitor developments on this issue and extend appropriate assistance to affected residents, Fadhli added.

Eviction by the book - developer

Yesterday, developer KL City Gateway Sdn Bhd (KLCG) categorically denied allegations that it intends to harass residents who refused to vacate the area, Malaysia Gazette reported.

KLCG director Abdul Hadi Ahmad said the eviction process will be carried out in accordance with a court ruling.

Today’s eviction is the authorities’ second attempt since July to oust 14 residents in the enclave, which is adjacent to Kampung Baru.

The majority of residents have moved out after accepting a buyout deal from the company.

Following the bloody fracas this morning, Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus vowed to push through the eviction, declaring he “will fight to the end” and warned that firm action would be taken against anyone attempting to provoke unrest.

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