KUALA LUMPUR – The atmosphere in Kampung Sungai Baru remained calm on Friday, the second day of the evacuation operation, following the commotion that broke out a day earlier.
A survey by Sinar Harian around the settlement found that several residents had begun packing their belongings and moving items out of their homes. Unlike the first day of the operation, no police presence was seen on Friday. Roads that were previously closed were also reopened to vehicles, easing movement in the area.
One of the residents, Abd Rahman Sleiman, 55, said his household items were temporarily placed at a neighbour’s home while he and his siblings decide on their next move.
“Yesterday (Thursday) I didn’t have time to pack. I am still not sure where to take all these things. For now, I want to finish packing first before thinking about where to find a house.
“The electricity was cut off yesterday, so last night we slept at a neighbour’s house,” he explained.
Abd Rahman, who has lived in Kampung Sungai Baru for 30 years after marrying a permanent resident, said he felt heavy-hearted to leave. He and his wife, who stay together with his elderly mother-in-law, are among many long-time residents forced to vacate their homes.
“Many couples my age, who were born and raised here, have no choice but to move. We accept this, but the sadness is still there,” he added.
Another villager, Mohd Nor Khalid, 61, also expressed grief over losing the place where he grew up.
“It’s really sad. I was born and raised here. Now the water and electricity are cut off. My mother has moved to her siblings’ house in Nilai. I don’t even know what to plan for next. I hope this matter can be cancelled,” he said.
The Kampung Sungai Baru settlement has been the focus of an ongoing relocation process following development plans in the area. While some families have started leaving, others remain in uncertainty over where to rebuild their lives. – Sinar Harian
