Kg Mutiara folk cheer after demolition called off

GEORGE TOWN: Kampung Mutiara villagers have been given a second temporary reprieve from having their homes torn down following a vacant possession order by the landowner.  

In making the announcement before the 350 villagers here Tuesday, George Town OCPD Asst Comm Mior Faridalathrash Wahid said the court had allowed the demolition exercise to be postponed for another month.   

Shouts of Allahuakhbar (God is greater) could be heard throughout the village as the news was announced.  

The crowd also cheered and clapped that the demolition had been called off.  

Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail said the matter was not over yet as the vacant possession order was still in effect.

"The most important thing now is that the landowner is ready and willing to negotiate with us," he added.  

Earlier, villagers gathered at the road entrance leading to Kampung Mutiara, Batu Ferringhi as early as 7am. 

Light Strike Force and plainclothes policemen were also spotted patrolling the area. 

Children sat in groups holding placards reading, Kami mahu rumah kami diganti!!! (We want another house!!!) and Dimana hak kami (Where are our rights) followed by elderly women in wheelchairs protesting against the demolition.

Batu Ferringhi JKKP chairman Ismadi Abu Bakar said villagers intended to form a human barricade against bulldozers to prevent their homes from being demolished.  

Ismadi said about 69 families from 42 families would be affected if the demolition took place.  

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Kg Mutiara folk ready to ‘fight’ demolition plan