Dread and uncertainty filled 84-year-old Saodah Mi'in as a tractor tore down her neighbours' homes in Kampung Koskan Tambah in Serendah, Selangor today.
While the six homes demolished today had already been abandoned, it was just a matter of time before developers - who had served the villagers an eviction notice - tore down her home and 11 others that were still occupied.
Electricity to the 12 households who have yet to reach a settlement with the developer - who had owned the land since 1991 - was also cut today, leaving Saodah and the others in the dark while they agonise over their next move.
“We were told to leave, we can’t live here anymore. But I have so many belongings, where do I put them? Do I stay on the roadside? Under stairs?
“We are Malaysians, not refugees. We vote every (election). Where do we move?
“I have nothing… I am poor, I have no money,” lamented the senior citizen, who stays with her children and grandchildren.
Kampung Koskan Tambahan was the subject of a land dispute after some villagers refused to vacate the land.
According to the Hulu Selangor Land and District Office, the land - Lot 4465 GRN 322912 - has been privately owned for 133 years since June 21, 1890.
The original owner sold the lot to Panca Resmi Sdn Bhd in 1991, who remains the legal owner to this date.
On Feb 17, the Shah Alam High Court ordered a private developer to take ownership of the land and instructed the eviction of the villagers. A writ of possession was released to the developer on March 30.
The villagers have filed an appeal against the notice but a court date has not yet been fixed.
Aside from Soadah, Nurain Zainot, 30, is another villager facing the same fate.
Nurain, who was born at home, said she would eventually follow the majority decision although they still refused to leave the area.
"We were asked to go (and move) to the community hall but the size is too small," she said, adding that the space is no bigger than a nearby one-family house.
Nurain currently lives in her home with 14 other family members, including her elderly parents and children, the youngest being eight-month-old.
She added that the move to cut off electricity at the remaining 12 houses was tantamount to forcing them out by today as it would be impossible for them to stay on.
Batang Kali coordinating assemblyperson Saifuddin Shafi Muhammad, who was also present, said the remaining houses would be demolished on May 11.
In the meantime, he said the developer and state government will be in discussion to seek an agreement for a win-win solution with the villagers.
"The villagers won't move yet. Time will be given until May 11. Then they will find new homes, but the request must be submitted for further discussions.
"Right now, we have found three homes in this short time, but in the next one or two days we will get enough houses," he told reporters.
He said while the new homes will not be given for free, the state government will act to facilitate their ownership.
Prior to the demolitions, Saifuddin and Panca Rasmi Sdn. Bhd project manager Ernest Yap, who was also present, held a discussion with the village's action committee secretary Maszahar Hashim.
"They proceeded with demolition works today. We have put in effort to stop it but that is the situation," said Maszahar.
During the discussion, Yap said he was present on behalf of the developer and had no powers to delay the demolitions, aside from following court orders. - Mkini
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