Kampung Jalan Papan: A Long Promise, A Painful Ending — And Questions No One Can Ignore

Kampung Jalan Papan: A Long Promise, A Painful Ending — And Questions No One Can Ignore

Kampung Jalan Papan: A Long Promise, A Painful Ending — And Questions No One Can Ignore

For decades, the people of Kampung Jalan Papan, Klang believed they were part of a state-recognised community with a future, a home, and dignity. Today, the same community is labelled “setinggan haram”, arrested, and evicted under a court order obtained by a private developer.

The clash between history, law, political promises, and human reality now forces Malaysians to ask: What really happened? Who failed? And who is trying to profit from the chaos?

This article breaks the issue into three essential parts:

  • A factual timeline based on verifiable online information.
  • Legal vs moral rights — what the law says, and what justice demands.
  • The Hard Questions — for the Selangor state, the developer, the federal government, and opportunists exploiting this issue.

1. FACT TIMELINE — HOW WE GOT HERE

1939 – The beginning

Kampung Jalan Papan was established before Merdeka. Early settlers lived there for generations and formed part of Klang’s social fabric.

1968–1989 – Legal recognition through TOL

Residents were issued Temporary Occupation Licences (TOL), confirming their status as legitimate occupants, not “new squatters”.

1995 – Land transferred for development

About 95 acres were transferred to TPPT Sdn Bhd, a Bank Negara subsidiary, specifically to build homes for these settlers.

2003 – First relocation offer

Klang Municipal Council offered low-cost homes. Many rejected due to unclear terms, affordability, and location concerns.

2007 – Private developer enters

Melati Ehsan Consolidated Sdn Bhd (MECSB) received power of attorney to develop the land.

2008 – Demolition notices

Notices were issued but postponed after new negotiations.

2018 – Selangor’s major decision

State exco (MTES) formally recognised 181 settlers as beneficiaries:

  • 123 terrace houses (20’ x 70’) at RM99,000
  • 58 Rumah Selangorku Type B (800 sq ft)
  • ~30 other families promised medium-cost / Rumah Selangorku units

2020 – Eviction suit filed

MECSB filed a civil suit to evict settlers, classifying them as “illegal squatters”.

2021 – State reaffirms the 2018 promise

However, implementation remained slow.

September 2025 – Court-affirmed bailiff execution

The court authorised eviction enforcement, enabling demolition of identified structures.

November 2025 – Demolitions & arrests

Demolition teams arrived. Activists, PSM leaders, SUARAM members, and residents were arrested for resisting machinery and attempting to safeguard occupied homes. Videos on social media triggered widespread anger.

2025 – Selangor’s new “structured solution”

The developer agreed to surrender 7 acres for new apartments. The state proposed:

  • Permanent homes via PNSB apartments
  • Temporary placement through Smart Sewa

But these homes are still not completed, feeding mistrust and anxiety.

2. LEGAL RIGHTS VS MORAL RIGHTS

The Legal Story — Cold, Technical, Procedural

Under Malaysian law:

  • MECSB, as the registered land owner, has strong proprietary rights under the National Land Code (NLC).
  • Occupants without title or renewed licence become “unlawful occupants”.
  • The developer can obtain a writ of possession and enforce eviction via bailiff action under the Rules of Court 2012.

Legally, the developer has the advantage.

The Moral Story — History, Promises, and Human Rights

Long-time settlers did not suddenly appear on the land. Many:

  • Have lived there since pre-Merdeka,
  • Held TOL for decades,
  • Were recognised by the state as beneficiaries,
  • Were promised housing they have still not received.

The law was followed. But justice was not.

3. THE HARD QUESTIONS MALAYSIANS MUST ASK

This issue is bigger than one village. It reflects how Malaysia deals with development, land ownership, and the rights of ordinary people.

A. Questions for the Selangor Government

  • Why were the 181 promised homes (2018 decision) not delivered before demolition?
  • Why did eviction proceed before replacement housing was ready?
  • Why were some occupied homes allegedly demolished despite state orders?
  • Why are some descendants excluded from the beneficiary list?
  • Is Smart Sewa adequate for elderly, disabled, or vulnerable families?

B. Questions for the Developer (MECSB)

  • Why prioritise eviction before new homes exist?
  • Does profit take precedence over human impact?
  • Why label long-recognised residents as “squatters”?
  • What has been done for corporate responsibility beyond legal minimums?

C. Questions for the Federal Government

  • Why is there no national resettlement policy for long-established communities?
  • Why do settlers’ rights vary between states?
  • Should TPPT (a Bank Negara-linked entity) be held accountable for project failure?
  • Why is social housing always reactive instead of proactive?

D. Questions for Political Opportunists

  • Where were you from 2018–2025 when the issue was already boiling?
  • Why appear only when the cameras arrive?
  • Are you offering actual solutions or just social media noise?
  • Do you care about settlers, or about political mileage?

Conclusion: A Community Caught Between Law, Promises, and Power

Kampung Jalan Papan is not just a land dispute. It is a symbol of:

  • broken promises,
  • slow governance,
  • legal technicalities used against ordinary families,
  • and political theatre exploiting human suffering.

If Selangor, MECSB, and the federal government want to restore trust, they must:

  1. Deliver the promised homes before any further demolition.
  2. Ensure no family is displaced or left homeless.
  3. Be transparent with timelines and beneficiary lists.

Promises must be honoured. People must not be abandoned. Profit must never outrank humanity.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Malaysia’s Silent Cancer – Are We Leaving the Nation in Such Hands?

Image
A Cancer We Chose to Ignore Malaysia is not waiting for an explosion. It is already dying of a cancer we refused to treat. Not sudden. Not loud. Silent. Slow. Deadly. This cancer has been fed by decades of failed policies, political games, race cards, corruption scandals, abuse of power, and a society that normalises shortcuts. From immigration leaks to the selling of government secrets and properties, the betrayal has been constant. Like all untreated cancers, it only grows. And one day, it will kill. Ministers, MPs, and the Politics of Betrayal Are we leaving this country in the hands of leaders who: switch education policies for votes instead of futures? divide Malaysians by race and religion rather than unite us? treat Parliament like a stage for shouting matches instead of reforms? survive sex scandals, money scandals, and abuse scandals with no shame? If this is leadership, then it is not medicine. It is poison. The Mirror of Our Attitudes The cancer is not only ...
Read more

Was He Caught Without His Pants: The Death of Fixed Deposits & The Rise of Thinkers

Was He Caught Without His Pants: The Death of Fixed Deposits & The Rise of Thinkers Sabah killed the “fixed deposit” myth, exposed greed and complacency, and reminded Malaysia that the future belongs to thinkers – not fanatics, not yes-men, not lazy doers. By Amarjeet Singh @ AJ When Malaysians watched the formation of the unity government after GE15, many finally exhaled. The gates of Putrajaya had new guards. The old empire had fallen. For a brief moment, people felt fresh air. Maybe this time, reform would be real. Maybe this time, it wouldn’t be about race cards, contracts and cronies. Today, that air feels heavy again. Not because Malaysians changed, but because the system refused to change with them. The clearest slap came not from Kuala Lumpur, but from Sabah – where voters quietly did the unthinkable: they ended the myth of “fixed deposits”. They caught PMX politically without his pants on . 1. The Night Fixed Deposits Died For ...
Read more

CURB SPENDING

To curb ego-driven spending and better manage monthly budgets and income, individuals can take 10 proactive steps: 1. Create a Budget: Start by outlining monthly expenses and income. Allocate funds for essential expenses such as rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, and transportation. Then, designate a portion of income for savings and discretionary spending. 2. Track Expenses: Keep track of all expenses, whether big or small. This helps identify spending patterns and areas where adjustments can be made. 3. Prioritize Needs Over Wants: Distinguish between needs and wants when making purchasing decisions. Prioritize essential items and consider delaying or eliminating non-essential purchases. 4. Set Spending Limits: Establish spending limits for discretionary categories such as dining out, entertainment, and clothing. Stick to these limits to avoid overspending. 5. Avoid Impulse Purchases: Take time to consider purchases before making them. Avoid impulse buys by asking whet...
Read more