DBKL demolishing a concrete fence surrounding the offices of the NGO. — Courtesy photos
AFTER issuing multiple notices to vacate, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) carried out a demolition operation at a site in Setiawangsa that had been occupied by non-governmental organisation (NGO) Insaf Malaysia.
The NGO had been operating on government land without authorisation for several years, according to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
“While I greatly appreciate its noble intentions in conducting charitable work, regulations and guidelines set by the authorities must be followed,” she said.
“It had been allowed to operate for years on land belonging to the Federal Territories Land and Mines Office.
“However, several notices were issued to vacate the premises.
Action was taken against the NGO on Feb 3 after several extensions.
“When the NGO was unable to meet deadlines, we granted multiple extensions to give it time to find an alternative site.”
Dr Zaliha said the NGO had expressed interest in acquiring the land but this was not possible since the site had been gazetted as an open space under the supervision of DBKL, which had plans to turn it into a park.
She added that the last extension granted to the NGO ended on Jan 31.
“However, the NGO has now requested an additional two weeks, stating that some cabins on-site needed to be cleared.
“Representatives of the NGO signed a letter of undertaking to vacate and demolish the remaining structures within that two-week period.
“DBKL only proceeded with the demolition of vacant structures, in compliance with regulations.
Enforcement officers overseeing the operations in Setiawangsa.
“The three cabins that had not been vacated were not touched, as promised,” Dr Zaliha said.
The demolition operation involved the removal of structures which included two garages, one office unit, two cabins, an open kitchen, two toilets and the surrounding concrete fence.
StarMetro had previously reported that several engagement sessions had been held with the NGO since December 2023 and that multiple notices to vacate had been issued.
However, an Insaf Malaysia representative expressed frustration with how the situation was handled.
“We needed more time to find an alternative site,” the representative said.
