Remand applications tomorrow for 10 detained over Kg Jalan Papan demolition work

Eight activists and two residents of Kampung Jalan Papan will be brought to the Klang magistrate’s court for a remand hearing tomorrow after they were arrested for allegedly opposing demolition work at Kampung Jalan Papan in Klang.

PETALING JAYA: Authorities will bring 10 more people to court for remand applications tomorrow following their protests against the demolition work at Kampung Jalan Papan in Klang.

Jernell Tan of the rights group Suaram said their applications would be heard at the Klang magistrates’ court at 8.30am.

Tan said the 10 individuals comprised eight activists and two residents of Kampung Jalan Papan.

Earlier today, nine people – six Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) leaders, two activists, and one resident – were arrested for opposing the demolition work.

Tan also confirmed that PSM deputy chief S Arutchelvan and two other men had been remanded for one more day following their arrests yesterday for allegedly obstructing civil servants from performing their duties.

According to Malaysiakini, those detained today included PSM secretary-general M Sivaranjani, treasurer Soh Sook Hwa, and party members Aein Aneera Anuar, K Ramasamy, Tan Ka Wei, and P Hridhay.

The activists arrested were Mandiri’s Wong Kueng Hui and Himpunan Advokasi Rakyat Malaysia’s Fakrurrazzi Khairur Rijal, while the resident was Tang Bing Ai.

Former Klang MP Charles Santiago and PSM have urged the Selangor government to halt the demolition of vacant houses in the village for a redevelopment project, citing concerns that around 100 families could be displaced.

The state government said on Oct 23 that only vacant houses and business premises would be demolished. However, on Oct 27, residents received a fresh notice to vacate their homes.

They have appealed to Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari to intervene and halt the demolition.

Meanwhile, a group of people also gathered in front of the Pandamaran police station to protest the demolition of the houses.

Among the protesters spotted in the live stream of the gathering were actress-turned-activist, Rafidah Ibrahim, who has been a vocal critic of the redevelopment of Kampung Sungai Baru.