By Danial Dzulkifly
PETALING JAYA, May 30 — Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari has affirmed the state government's readiness to assist the remaining residents of Kampung Sri Makmur in Gombak, whose homes were recently demolished following multiple eviction orders issued over the past few years.
The Menteri Besar said Selangor has been patient and had provided several extensions to the eviction notices served to the residents in 2006 and 2018.
“We have given them opportunities to relocate for a considerable time. They even requested an extension until after Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which we granted,” he said.
Amirudin was speaking to the press after attending the Selangor International Junior Golf Championship 2024 and PKNS Selangor Masters at Kelab Golf Seri Selangor today.
However, he added that any help offered is contingent upon residents proving they are the area's original settlers and have not received compensation from any other parties.
“It is not that I have personally promised them free housing, but they must prove they are the original settlers,” he said.
The terms given to these residents were set by the Selangor Housing and Property Board (LPHS) as well as the local council to ensure the validity of their status as long-time residents.
While expressing the state's willingness to provide assistance, Amirudin stressed that the demolition must proceed as planned and that it was necessary to ensure proper development in the area, including affordable housing, and to create a safer community.
“We are proceeding carefully, but the state must move forward. The area in question has seen an influx of foreigners, a few incidents of concern and a pressing need for development, including the construction of affordable homes for the people.”
The land is owned by the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS), and plans for a condominium development have been ongoing for years.
The residents were first notified to vacate the land in 2006. While some relocated under the Setinggan Sifar programme then, others stayed due to financial constraints.
A second eviction notice was issued in 2018, leading to a court case in 2020. On August 18 last year, the court ordered a full evacuation by August 31.
Some residents have also sent a memorandum to Amirudin previously, seeking a resolution to their situation.
On May 25, local authorities demolished homes within Kampung Sri Makmur. Videos of the demolition have gone viral on social media, prompting criticism from certain quarters.
Gombak Setia state assemblyman Hilman Idham was among those who criticised the state government's approach to handling the case, calling it excessive.
However, Amirudin responded to Hilman today, reminding the Perikatan Nasional lawmaker that he was among those who had previously asked for the demolition of the Kampung Sri Makmur.
“In fact, in 2018 and 2019, Hilman was also insistent that I pursue the demolition of this area as he also knows the true condition of the housing area,” he said.
