Eviction and Demolition at Kampung Sri Makmur: Court Order Enforced Amid Controversy

On May 27 and 28, the Gombak District Administration, accompanied by authorities, executed an eviction and demolition operation at Kampung Sri Makmur, a squatter settlement in Gombak. The operation followed a High Court order issued on May 14, 2024, mandating the removal of illegal structures on land owned by the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS).

The operation was conducted according to established procedures and guidelines to ensure the complete vacating of all structures, including the surau, a small mosque. The Gombak District and Land Office (PDT) oversaw the process, ensuring that enforcement officers adhered to the protocols in place.

Why this matters: The eviction and demolition operation at Kampung Sri Makmur highlights the ongoing challenges of land disputes in Malaysia, which can have significant impacts on communities and the environment. The handling of such operations can have consequences for the relationships between authorities and residents, and may set a precedent for future land disputes.

Despite the meticulous planning, the operation faced resistance from residents. Four enforcement officers were attacked by structure owners during the process, leading to a police report being filed at the Gombak district police headquarters. The incident was captured in a viral video on social media, highlighting the tensions surrounding the eviction.

The Gombak District and Land Office advised the public not to believe false claims that have been sensationalized by irresponsible parties. They emphasized that the eviction and demolition actions were conducted in strict adherence to the High Court order.

The background of the dispute dates back to July 2006, when several houses were demolished. A 2016 census revealed an increase in the number of houses to 204 from 80 in 2006. In September 2020, PKNS sold the land to Rexpoint Resources Sdn Bhd, which then obtained a court order on May 14, 2024, for the demolition of all structures on the land.

The Selangor government has offered to sell units of Rumah Selangorku at a subsidized price of RM65,000 and provided an ex-gratia payment of RM1,000 to 21 original squatters, based on census confirmations from 2006 and 2016. This offer aimed to alleviate some of the hardships faced by the displaced residents.

In response to allegations that holy books and religious material, including copies of the Quran, were destroyed during the demolition, A. Rahim Kasdi, political secretary to Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari, denied these claims. He called the accusations 'slanderous' to civil servants and security officers, asserting that all religious items were safely relocated.

The eviction and demolition at Kampung Sri Makmur highlight the ongoing challenges and complexities of land disputes in Malaysia. While the authorities followed legal protocols, the human impact and community resistance highlight the need for sensitive handling of such operations.

Key Takeaways

• Gombak authorities evicted and demolished Kampung Sri Makmur squatter settlement on May 27-28.
• Eviction followed High Court order issued on May 14, 2024, to remove illegal structures on PKNS land.
• Four enforcement officers were attacked by residents during the operation.
• Selangor government offered subsidized housing and ex-gratia payment to displaced residents.
• Authorities denied allegations of destroying holy books and religious materials during demolition.