Police bust illegal settlement, nab 238 people in Batang Kali

Police arrested 238 people when they raided an illegal settlement in Kampung Ulu Rening, Batang Kali, in the Hulu Selangor District yesterday.

In the operation at 5pm, police rounded up 76 men, 77 women and 85 children, including babies, living in plastic tents in a newly-opened area of the forests, Selangor CID chief Fadzil Ahmat (above) said.

Fadzil said the settlers came from several states and claimed to be members of the Dewan Perkasa Ekonomi Islam Nusantara.

“We are still investigating this association, and what we know is they eat, bathe and live in the area.

“Police are trying to establish when they occupied this place,” he told reporters at the Dewan Serbaguna in Kuala Kubu Bharu last night.

Asked about allegations that the people had entered the area before the Movement Control Order (MCO) was enforced on March 18, Fadzil said police were still investigating the matter.

“What is certain is that they have violated the MCO and they came from various places like Kuala Lumpur, Kelantan and other states,” he added.

Fadzil said the suspects would undergo health screenings at the Dewan Serbaguna Kuala Kubu Bharu, where they are temporarily housed.

“The Health Ministry, Social Welfare Department and Kuala Kubu Bharu District Council will be helping in the screening process and looking into their welfare needs,” he added.

- Bernama