Penang police arrested one man for trying to obstruct the demolition of old government quarters formerly occupied by Customs Department staff in Kampung Kastam, Bukit Gelugor, Penang, yesterday,
Mohammed Munawir Md Noor, 41, was detained by ASP Rohizat Halim, the police officer in-charge of operations at Jalan Lembah where the demolition activity took place.
He is being investigated under Section 186 of the Penal Code.
“The suspect tried to stop demolition works at the vicinity, and failed to stop when instructed by police,” said Northeast police chief Anuar Omar.
“He is a contractor who lived in Kampung Kastam. He is currently placed in a lock-up at the Northeast police headquarters on Patani Road, and will be remanded tomorrow,” Anuar added.
It is learnt that Munawir, who has relatives living in the quarters, tried to stop three backhoe drivers from destroying the homes.
Situated next to Taman Tun Sardon, Kampung Kastam is situated in a green, peaceful neighbourhood near the 200-year-old Kampung Buah Pala, which was replaced by terrace houses and high-rise condominiums after it was controversially demolished in 2009.
It is learnt the demolition in Kampung Kastam will pave the way for about 2,000 PR1MA houses by the federal government.
“Police personnel were present to maintain peace in the area,” Anuar said.
57 homes to go today
In a statement distributed by Anuar, the Putrajaya Land and Mines Department (JKPTG) said it has demolished 20 vacant quarters while the remaining 57 will be demolished today.
The Federal Land Commission owns the eight-acre plot, where demolition involved 114 quarters.
Notice to vacate the quarters were issued by the Customs Department in 2015. JKPTG issued the last notice to the residents to vacate their homes earlier this month, Aug 7.
The statement said demolition works were supposed to start at 8.30am yesterday, but was halted due to “provocation” by the residents.
By 2pm, the Federal Land Commission ordered the demolition to continue, saying no postponement will be further issued unless approved by the commission.
‘Where is Umno?’
Meanwhile, DAP Seri Delima elected representative RSN Rayer questioned why Umno did not defend those affected by the demolition, when all of those affected were Malays Muslims.
He said the action had nothing to do with the Penang government, as the order to demolish the quarters the work of the JKPTGP.
“Where is the Bukit Gelugor Umno branch chief Omar Fauza, or the Umno supreme council leader Reezal Merican Naina Merican?” Rayer asked at a press conference in Komtar yesterday.
Kampung Kastam is situated in Rayer's constituency, which falls under the Bukit Gelugor parliamentary seat.
“Yet some still want to blame the Penang government for this, to make it look as if we are cruel to the Malays as the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) had approved affordable homes to be build there,” he added.
“JKPTG and the developer did not mention that the quarters were still occupied before the MBPP approved their applications for planning permission,” he explained.
State executive councillor on housing Jagdeep Singh Deo had instructed that only vacant quarters be demolished and not those still occupied, said Rayer.
Three customs officers and 31 retired staff still live in the quarters, which were built some 70 years ago, added Rayer.
Rayer has lodged a police report urging the force to maintain peace and safety of the residents during the demolition exercise, which will continue today. - Mkini
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