SHAH ALAM – Enforcement officers involved in the recent eviction and demolition operations at the squatter settlement in Kampung Sri Makmur, Gombak, strictly adhered to procedures and protocols to ensure that all structures, including the surau, were completely vacated.
According to Bernama, the Gombak District and Land Office said today that the eviction and demolition actions, conducted on May 27 and 28, were based on a Shah Alam High Court order issued on May 14, 2024, due to the illegal occupation of land owned by the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS).
The statement emphasised that various items, including copies of the Quran and other religious texts, were safely relocated to preserve their sanctity and prevent loss to the structure owners.
“The developer also appointed workers wearing safety vests to assist the structure owners in moving any remaining belongings from the involved structures,” the statement added.
Throughout the operation, the office noted that provocations and obstructions were well managed.
However, there was an incident where four enforcement officers were attacked by structure owners, and a video clip of this incident has circulated on social media.
A police report has been filed at the Gombak district police headquarters which is taking further action against the suspects, the land office said.
The land office also advised the public not to believe the false claims that have been sensationalised by irresponsible parties.
The disputes in the area began as early as July 2006 with the demolition of several houses. A 2016 census found an increase in the number of houses to 204 from 80 in 2006.
PKNS previously said that the sale of the land to a company was finalised on September 8, 2020. This company obtained a court order on May 14 to demolish all structures on the land.
The Selangor government has offered to sell a unit of Rumah Selangorku at a subsidised 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. – June 2, 2024