THIRTY-FOUR families living in Kampung Sungai Dua Bukit near Sungai Nibong have been ordered by the federal Land and Mines Department to vacate their homes by March 14.
The eviction notice was also issued to other premises, including four houses of worship.
Following this, Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan has raised his concern over the fate of the residents as well as the premises located on the land.
Kumaresan said the matter has been unresolved since 2007 when the residents were told to vacate the land to make way for a police headquarters’ project.
“In 2007, some of the residents received an ex-gratia payment of RM27,200 to move out but others did not receive it as they were hoping for a better compensation such as a low-cost house or an ex-gratia equivalent to that.
“Then, after many years, in 2018, a letter was sent to Kampung Sungai Dua residents pertaining to the eviction.
“So, during that time, I met up with the then police chief to discuss the matter about four times.
“And then, now this year the issue has been brought up again as the residents received the eviction order on Chinese New Year Eve and also today,” said Kumaresan when he visited the Kampung Sungai Dua residents today.
Kumaresan expressed hopes that the state government could step in to help resolve the issue.
“I would be bringing up the matter to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow since the federal Lands and Mines Department has said that they would not be having any more negotiations with the residents on the matter.
“Apart from that, we would be also tackling the matter legally as the residents here actually have no objections to vacate the land.
“They are only asking for a good compensation in form of an adequate ex-gratia payment or a home,” added Kumaresan.
Kumaresan also hoped that the existing temples on the land (three Chinese temples and a Hindu temple) would be given land for them to be relocated instead.
Story & Pix by Tanushalini Moroter