KUALA LUMPUR – The controversy surrounding the redevelopment of Kampung Sungai Baru could have been avoided if proper governance and planning had been in place, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.
Azam said residents did not fully understand the implications when they agreed to redevelop their land, leaving many “confused” and “facing hardship”.
Speaking at the Corruption, Integrity and Governance Research Conference here today, he stressed that residents were not given proper guidance, with the discussions focused narrowly on compensation.
“The Sungai Kampung Baru redevelopment was not planned properly, and the residents affected did not fully understand the implications when they agreed to develop their land.
“Perhaps, the residents were given the impression of a large monetary compensation, but were not shown the bigger picture. This highlights weaknesses in communication.
“The residents’ lack of understanding … and (the lack of) governance has led to hardship (for the residents). Many things have gone wrong, especially in terms of planning and strategy, which were absent,” Azam was quoted as saying by FMT.
The controversy escalated on September 11 when a commotion broke out as authorities evicted residents from 37 houses, with 14 homeowners refusing to vacate their homes.
Dang Wangi police chief Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman was struck on the head by an object allegedly thrown by a protester.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus later confirmed that the authorities were enforcing a writ of vacant possession issued by the court for the 37 terraced houses.
Police have since arrested three suspects in connection with the incident, while seven others – described as leaders and members of an “organisation”, not residents – were detained on September 13. — September 19, 2025