By Neville Spykerman - The Malaysian Insider
GEORGE TOWN, Sept 3 — It’s become an all too familiar scene at Kampung Buah Pala: residents facing off with the demolition team sent to demolish the village.
More than 50 police personnel together with 30 demolition team members are standing by while 150 villagers have gathered, along with dozens of journalists.
Residents’ Association secretary J. Steven said, “They are here but we will resist them.”
Discussions were held between village heads, legal advisor, developer, and the court bailiff. The village heads have agreed with the developer to allow the demolition of three houses, whose occupants had already accepted compensation.
However, one of the three owners said he was not ready because his belongings were still in the house. It was then decided only two houses will be demolished today.
To preserve their dignity, the villagers are appealing to be allowed to dismantle the two houses themselves while the court bailiff later verifies the homes have been torn down.
A villager urged the media not to record the move as it was emotionally painful. The reporters present agreed.
Police were forced to intervene after a scuffle broke out between the developer and villagers, when demolition workers tried to enter the village to demolish the two houses.
MIC youth members who came to support the villagers were alleged to have pushed Nusmetro Ventures director Gary Ho during an argument.
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