PETALING JAYA: The Kampung Sungai Baru incident must be handled tactfully by the authorities to ensure that the interests of all parties are protected, says Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
The Bersatu Deputy President also stated that the violence could have been prevented through negotiations during the Kampung Sungai Baru incident earlier on Thursday (Sept 11).
“This ruckus could have been avoided through negotiations. The operations for vacant possession should have been postponed because the residents have filed an appeal at the Kuala Lumpur High Court,” he said.
“This issue cannot be taken lightly and must be addressed fairly, ensuring that the welfare, values and fundamental rights of the people are protected and respected by all parties,” said Hamzah in a statement on Thursday.
He also expressed regret over the commotion that took place during the eviction operation at Kampung Sungai Baru.
“I also sympathise with the police officers and civilians injured in the chaos,” he said.
Hamzah said the residents were merely gathering to voice dissatisfaction over the issue.
“The Kampung Sungai Baru issue is not just about development; it touches on their dignity and rights to their homes and properties,” added Hamzah.
On Thursday, tensions were high in Kampung Sungai Baru, Kampung Baru, as the police blocked off entry points and instructed the remaining families to leave their homes by noon.
Dang Wangi OCPD Asst Comm Suzilme Affendy Sulaiman sustained a head injury believed to be caused by a rock thrown by an unidentified individual while authorities conducted a court-ordered operation to disconnect the electricity supply and demolish 37 homes in the area.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail stated that three suspects were arrested in connection with the incident.
The eviction follows years of dispute over a redevelopment project first proposed in 2016 to replace the village’s Selangor Development Corporation (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, leading to delays.
The developer eventually invoked the Land Acquisition Act 1960 to acquire the land
