PETALING JAYA: A total of ten people were arrested amid tense scenes as the demolition of homes at Kampung Jalan Papan, Pandamaran, Klang entered its fourth day.
Parti Sosialis Malaysia, in a statement on Thursday (Nov 13), said that several of its activists along with residents, were arrested as of 4pm while trying to defend the homes from being demolished.
"Those arrested on Thursday include M. Sivaranjani (PSM secretary-general), Soh Sook Hwa (PSM national treasurer), seven activists and a resident," it said.
PSM added that its deputy chief, S. Arutchelvan, along with two other people, were also arrested on Wednesday (Nov 12) for trying to halt demolition work.
The trio were released around 6pm on Thursday.
Earlier, news reports stated that 20 houses in Kampung Papan, Pandamaran, were demolished beginning on Monday (Nov 10) to make way for a new project by the developer.
Residents alleged that the operation was carried out without clear notice, and several only became aware of the demolition when the works were already in progress.
Amid fears of over 100 families losing their homes, PSM and former Klang MP Charles Santiago had urged the Selangor government to stop the demolition of houses at the village for a redevelopment project.
On Oct 23, the state government assured the public that only unoccupied houses and business premises would be demolished.
However, on Oct 27, the residents received a fresh notice to vacate their homes.
Pandamaran state assemblyman Tony Leong Tuck Chee told Media Selangor that the developer intended to proceed with demolishing still-occupied homes despite a directive from Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari to only demolish vacant houses.
“I urge the developer to defer the demolition of occupied homes. Initial aid has also been provided to affected residents.
“We have also held discussions with the Selangor Housing and Property Board (LPHS) to secure nearby relocation for the residents,” he said on Wednesday (Nov 12).
