High Tensions in Kampung Sungai Baru

KUALA LUMPUR – The atmosphere was thick with tension on the morning of September 11 in Kampung Sungai Baru, where police barricaded access points and issued an ultimatum to residents: vacate your homes by noon.

Control tents were erected and security was intensified, with outsiders barred from entering the area. As the clock ticked down, some residents defiantly resisted leaving, leading to heated standoffs with the authorities.

Residents Left in Shock

Long-time local Johari Zakaria expressed his dismay: "We were taken by surprise when the police arrived today. Our lawyer had secured an extension until October 3 for negotiations, so we weren’t expecting this. Now, we have no choice but to pack up or face forced entry.” His concerns were echoed by his son Asyraf, who voiced his worries about the safety of his grandmother and parents amid the escalating tensions.

Violence Erupts During Eviction

Adding to the chaos, Dang Wangi district police chief Assistant Commissioner Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman sustained injuries while overseeing the operation. Reports indicate he suffered a head wound as police attempted to cut off electricity to defiant households.

Three individuals were arrested in connection to the incident. Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail confirmed that the OCPD is in stable condition following medical treatment.

Authorities Urge Calm

In light of the unrest, IGP Ismail urged the public to remain calm and vigilant. "We live in a harmonious society, and it’s crucial to maintain peace and safety. Avoid acting on unverified information," he emphasized.

A Long-Standing Dispute

This eviction is the culmination of a protracted dispute over a redevelopment project that dates back to 2016. The plan, which aims to replace the existing PKNS flats and terrace houses with a high-rise mixed development, has faced significant opposition from some residents, causing lengthy delays.

The developer ultimately invoked the Land Acquisition Act of 1960 to seize the land. In July, officials announced that redevelopment was set to commence in early 2026, with the project's plans already receiving necessary approvals.