Suspects in Kg Sg Baru eviction linked to organisation: KL police chief

Summary

• KL cops say the seven suspects detained over the commotion during the Kampung Sungai Baru eviction on Thursday are linked to an organisation.

• Probe carried out under Sections 186, 353, and 342 of the Penal Code, for offences of obstructing a public servant from carrying out official duties, and causing injury to a police officer on duty. 

The seven suspects detained over the commotion during the Kampung Sungai Baru eviction on Thursday are reportedly linked to an organisation, said Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus. 

Fadil announced at a press conference last night that seven suspects, aged between 15 and 52, have been arrested in connection with the incident. 

"I can confirm that we detained the head of an organisation together with several of its members on suspicion of inciting chaos and provocation during the eviction.

"At this stage, investigations are focused on determining their roles, whether conflicts of interest were at play, or if there was another underlying agenda.

"We cannot yet confirm whether this organisation has links to gangsterism or violent crime until inquiries are concluded," he was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times. 

The case is being investigated under Sections 186, 353, and 342 of the Penal Code, for offences of obstructing a public servant from carrying out official duties, and causing injury to a police officer on duty. 

"Some of those detained were also found to have prior records, including involvement in riots and burglary. We are examining all angles based on statements and interrogations of the suspects,” he added. 

One of the suspects had eventually pleaded guilty and was fined RM1,500, while the six others still held on remand. 

Fadil also said that police checks have found that the suspects were not residents of Kampung Sungai Baru.

Police are tracking down several more individuals involved in the incident.  

He confirmed that the officer who was injured in the incident is in stable condition and receiving treatment, and urged those with more information to come forward. 

Police officer hurt

On Thursday, Dang Wangi district police chief Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman sustained injuries to his head during the eviction operation in Kampung Sungai Baru, Kuala Lumpur.

Images of Sulizmie following the altercation showed him with blood streaking down his face from an apparent head wound.

The incident occurred when commotion broke out after several residents attempted to force their way into the operation zone. Their actions, along with several members of the public, were blocked by riot police.

When riot police blocked disgruntled residents, they resorted to hurling objects, including stones, at the authorities. Sulizmie is believed 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, and later announced that three people had been detained after the incident. 

Bernama later reported that Fadil also did not rule out the involvement of outsiders who had entered the operation site and attempted to incite unrest, and that police had detected a group of individuals who were non-residents. 

The eviction on Thursday marks the authorities’ second attempt since July to relocate residents from the enclave. 

The operation is being carried out via court order to facilitate KL City Gateway Sdn Bhd’s redevelopment of the area, which is adjacent to Kampung Baru.

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

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