KUALA LUMPUR: A non-governmental organisation (NGO) leader was among seven people detained following a commotion during an eviction of 26 landowners in Kampung Sungai Baru.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Fadil Marsus said the suspects, all men aged between 15 and 50, were picked up in connection with the incident, that also resulted in a senior police officer getting hurt.
“We arrested the leader of an organisation and several of his members believed to be involved in the scuffle.
“The case is still under investigation, including whether they have vested interests or other agendas,” he told a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur Traffic police headquarters on Friday.
Comm Fadil said three investigation papers have been opened under Sections 186, 353 and 324 of the Penal Code.
“The probes are related to obstructing public servants from carrying out their duties and causing injury to Dang Wangi OCPD Asst Comm Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman,” he said.
One of the suspects, aged 26, was fined RM1,500 after pleading guilty in court, while six others remain in remand to assist in investigations.
“We are also tracking down several more individuals involved in the incident. Checks showed those arrested did not reside in Kampung Sungai Baru, and we believe they are linked to the protest against the eviction operation.”
Comm Fadil said ACP Sulizmie is in stable condition and currently receiving treatment.
“The public is urged to come forward with any information or video recordings related to the incident to assist police investigations,” he said.
It was reported that ACP Sulizmie sustained a head injury on Thursday, believed to be due to an object thrown by an unidentified person during a tense enforcement operation in Kampung Sungai Baru.
The incident occurred as authorities carried out a court-ordered eviction operation in the area.
Photographs of ACP Sulizmie’s head injury also went viral on social media, prompting condemnation from the public.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa had said the ruckus that ensued during the eviction process at Kampung Sungai Baru was caused by external influence.
She said the majority of residents had agreed to the redevelopment, and it was external parties who were trying to ride on the issue.
“This is very upsetting. I know who is behind the provocation,” she said, adding that those behind it were not from the area.
Zaliha also said it is inappropriate for provocateurs to compare the situation with the unrest in Indonesia or Nepal.
Dr Zaliha described the resistance towards the process as a “tyranny of the minority,” adding that 72% of the residents have agreed to the redevelopment.
The eviction, which took place on Thursday, was a legal process that was carried out according to procedure, she said.
She said while most residents are not against the redevelopment, some may have issues with the compensation – a matter that could be resolved through the courts.
