12 families from Kampung Koskan Tambahan, Serendah, Selangor, called on the Selangor State Government to intervene in stopping a forced eviction of their homes and to resolve their housing crisis. This call was made when the residents submitted a memorandum to the Selangor Menteri Besar’s office today (May 3).
According to Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), the residents of Kampung Koskan Tambahan has attempted to apply for settlement grants from the Hulu Selangor District and Land Office in the past but was rejected as the land is the reserved land of Sungai Serendah and is a flood area.
It is important to note that the village was first explored by the original settlers since the 1980s and 1990s for the purpose of agriculture and animal husbandry, and then to build housing in the surrounding area. From the late 1990s until the early 2000s, they received recognition from the Selangor State Government with several basic facilities provided, including clean water supply, electricity supply and paved roads.
During another attempt in 2015, their application was once again rejected as they were informed that the land, at that point, had an owner, namely a land developer. No further explanation was provided on how ownership of the land could be given to a developer.
In July 2022, they received an eviction notice as the developer wanted to build housing on the site.
During a meeting held between the residents of Kampung Koskan Tambahan together with Saifuddin bin Shafi Muhammad as the Batang Kali state assembly coordinator and Special Officer to the Menteri Besar of Selangor, Penghulu Mukim Serendah and the developer’s representative, 14 days were requested to make negotiations with the residents and to not extend this matter to court.
After the 14 days, without any consultation with the village or an offer of a replacement house, another 30-day eviction instruction notice was given to the residents along with summons from the developer. Months later, the Shah Alam High Court issued an order instructing the residents of Kampung Koskan Tambahan to vacate the land to the developer.
In April 2023, the developer together with the village head and the police made an attempt to demolish 6 houses as these residents had left after getting early compensation though the demolition failed to happen.
On April 18, just a few days before Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the villagers once again received an eviction notice from the bailiff and were instructed to vacate before May 2 (Tuesday).
The residents have since protested at the village and called for the local government to intervene as an appeal was made at the Court of Appeal to delay the implementation of the land vacation notice, but it has not yet received a date for this case to be heard in court.
They have since requested that the Selangor State Government:
- Stop the forced eviction of the residents until negotiations between the residents and the developer can reach a solution agreed upon by both parties.
- Assist in solving the housing problems of the residents by holding negotiations with the developers to obtain a fair solution.
- Provide an explanation on how the village land can be given to the developer when earlier applications by the residents to obtain ownership of the land in question was rejected on the grounds that the area is the Sungai Serendah land reserve and at risk of flooding.
- Stop any encroachment into the land area of Kampung Koskan Tambahan and speed up the process of granting land ownership to the residents.
Following this, the electricity supply to the village has been cut off and 6 empty houses have been demolished by developers as of today, May 3.
The houses of 12 families who are demanding alternative housing as they are still living in Kampung Koskan Tambahan will be demolished on May 11 (Thursday).
“Our condolences on the violation of human rights”, shared PSM.
What would you do if you were in the shoes of the residents? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
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