Residents and activists arrested for obstructing officers during Kampung Papan home demolitions
Authorities arrested residents and activists over three consecutive days as demolition works proceeded in Kampung Papan, Pandamaran, where 20 homes were torn down for a development project. Rights groups have criticised the detentions, saying they contradict earlier assurances that only vacant houses would be demolished and raise serious concerns about the treatment of peaceful protesters.
- 14 people were initially arrested during the eviction operation in Kampung Papan, with more detained over the following two days as demolitions continued.
- Residents dispute state assurances that only vacant houses would be demolished, saying many affected homes were still occupied.
- Human rights groups, including Amnesty International Malaysia, condemned the arrests and urged authorities to halt further detentions and drop all investigations.
MALAYSIA: Police detained 14 individuals, believed to be linked to an NGO, after a commotion erupted during the demolition of several homes in Kampung Papan, Pandamaran on Wednesday, according to the New Straits Times.
Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said the group comprised 11 men and three women, all of whom were later released on police bail following initial investigations.
The case is being probed under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing public servants.
Around 100 personnel from multiple agencies, including the Light Strike Force, were deployed to maintain order.
What began as a calm morning escalated when several individuals claiming to be residents attempted to push past officers as demolition works commenced.
A total of 20 homes were torn down to make way for a development project.
Residents Dispute State Assurances on ‘Vacant Houses’
Tensions followed earlier assurances by the Selangor government.
On 23 October, state housing and culture committee chairman Borhan Aman Shah said only vacant houses and business premises in Kampung Jalan Papan would be demolished, with the process carried out in stages.
Residents, however, argued that many affected homes were still occupied and claimed they had obtained a temporary stay order in 2021.
In a memorandum submitted to Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari, they urged the state to halt demolitions slated for 26 and 27 October, cancel eviction notices issued on 21 October, and honour a 2018 Selangor Economic Action Council decision to offer replacement homes.
The group also called for a three-way negotiation involving the state and the two developers.
Series of Arrests Across Three Days
Following the initial operation on 11 November, arrests continued over the next three days as demolition works resumed.
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12 November: A Kampung Papan resident, activist M Mythreyar, and PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan were arrested under Section 186. They were remanded for a day and later released on bail.
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13 November: Police detained 10 more individuals, including eight activists from PSM and Mandiri and two residents. The Klang Magistrates’ Court rejected a police application for remand, and all were released.
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14 November: At least nine additional people — including residents and human rights defenders from SUARAM and PSM — were arrested while monitoring or supporting affected households. All were later released.
Amnesty International Malaysia Condemns Arrests
Amnesty International Malaysia criticised the arrests, saying they reflected a deteriorating environment for peaceful assembly.
Campaigner Qistina Johari said activists “should not be dragged into police stations for peacefully protesting,” adding that the treatment of residents and defenders “speaks volumes about the appalling state of the right to protest in Malaysia.”
The organisation called on authorities to halt further arrests and drop all investigations against those opposing the demolitions, saying Malaysia should be “setting the standard” for human rights as ASEAN Chair.
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