Police block access to Kuala Lumpur’s Kampung Sungai Baru as residents ordered to vacate
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
The eviction comes after years of dispute over a redevelopment project first proposed in 2016 to replace the village’s PKNS flats and terrace houses with a high-rise mixed development.
PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM HAPPY VIDEO CHANNEL/FACEBOOK
Follow topic:
KUALA LUMPUR – Tensions ran high in Kuala Lumpur’s Kampung Sungai Baru on the morning of Sept 11 as police barricaded entry points and ordered the remaining families to vacate their homes by noon.
Control tents were set up, security was tightened, and outsiders were barred from entering.
Several residents initially refused to leave, with some attempting to provoke the authorities before being restrained.
Bailiffs eventually issued an order to break down doors for households that still refused to comply.
“We have no choice. We were told to start packing up or the police would break down the door,” said long-time resident Johari Zakaria.
“I told my wife and mother-in-law to pack immediately. We are very disappointed because our lawyer had secured an extension until Oct 3 for further discussions. So we were shocked when the police showed up this morning and told us to leave by noon,” he said.
Mr Johari’s son Asyraf said he was worried for his parents and grandmother.
“I’m at work now and don’t know what’s happening at home. Outsiders are not allowed in, and that makes it worse,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dang Wangi district police chief (OCPD) assistant commissioner Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman was injured while managing the situation to cut off electricity supply to several houses.
Mr Sulizmie was seen with a bleeding wound on his head, reported a Malay news portal.
Three men have been detained in connection with the assault, said Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail.
“The OCPD is in good condition after receiving treatment at Kuala Lumpur Hospital. We have detained the three suspects and the investigation is ongoing,” he told reporters on Sept 11.
The IGP advised the public to remain calm and help safeguard the country’s peace and security by verifying information before taking action.
“We live in a harmonious nation. The most important thing is to preserve peace and safety for everyone. The public should not act hastily based on unverified claims,” he said, commenting on the incident at Kampung Sungai Baru.
He said the eviction at Kampung Sungai Baru was based on a court order.
“All actions were carried out strictly in accordance with the law. The enforcement was made based on a court ruling. The operation was conducted within legal provisions,” he added.
He acknowledged that some groups may feel unhappy with the decision but assured that security in Kampung Sungai Baru and the wider Kuala Lumpur area remains stable.
“I believe the situation is well under control. We continue to step up monitoring and security measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the public,” he added.
The eviction comes after years of dispute over a redevelopment project first proposed in 2016 to replace the village’s PKNS flats and terrace houses with a high-rise mixed development. While most flat dwellers agreed to the plan, several terrace house owners opposed it, causing delays.
The developer eventually invoked the Land Acquisition Act 1960 to acquire the land.
In July, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Zaliha Mustafa said redevelopment work was expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026, with the project’s layout and building plans already approved and awaiting technical clearances from Kuala Lumpur City Hall and other agencies. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
