Kg Sg Baru eviction: Hamzah urges talks, not force

The chaos that saw a police officer injured at Kampung Sungai Baru, Kuala Lumpur, today could have been avoided with negotiations, said opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin.

The eviction operation could have been postponed as well, he added, noting that the residents had filed an appeal with the courts.

"The residents gathered only to voice their dissatisfaction because the Kampung Sungai Baru issue is not just a matter of development, but touches on the dignity and rights to their homes and property.

"This issue cannot be taken lightly and must be dealt with fairly by ensuring that the welfare, human values and fundamental rights of the people are protected and respected by all parties," the Bersatu vice-president said in a statement today.

PAS, which is also a part of the Perikatan Nasional opposition coalition, had also criticised the eviction process, calling it "utterly inhumane" as it took place while residents’ appeals were scheduled to be heard at the Court of Appeal on Oct 3.

Access blocked

Earlier, the police cordoned off areas of Kampung Sungai Baru for an eviction operation through a court order meant to facilitate KL City Gateway Sdn Bhd’s redevelopment of the area.

During the operation, Dang Wangi district police chief Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman sustained injuries, said to have happened after several disgruntled residents attempted to force their way into the area.

When riot police blocked the residents, they resorted to hurling objects at the authorities, including stones, with Sulizmie suspected to have been struck by one of the projectiles.

Police then issued a stern warning to the residents to disperse, which they eventually complied with.

Sulizmie was later brought to the hospital for treatment.

The operation, which also involved the cutting of the electricity supply, began early this morning and was led by court bailiffs in cooperation with several related agencies.

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