BUKIT MERTAJAM: Residents of a soon-to-be evicted village here have been on tenterhooks this morning, ever since a notice to demolish their homes today was issued.
As early as 7am, villagers of Kampung Permatang Tok Subuh, some 10km south of here, have been on guard to stop any bulldozers from entering the road leading to their homes.
However, it is a carnival-like atmosphere in the village itself as a stage had been erected with the words ‘Save Tok Subuh from forceful eviction' as the backdrop.
Residents held placards decrying the eviction, with several spelling out the words ‘cruel' and 'unfair'.
Villagers action committee chairman Hamidah Che Embi said the residents have vowed to remain strong.
The 2ha village has been in existence since the 1950s, founded by plantation workers from nearby oil palm and coconut grove estates.Some 52 families have since lived there. However, in 2012, the land they were occupying was sold.
They were given compensation of between RM10,000 and RM35,000 by the new landowner.
Scores of villagers banded together and demanded that the landowner either compensate each household with RM42,000 or a three-bedroom house.
They were served with eviction notices on Feb 17 and told to vacate their homes by March 4.
Bukit Mertajam member of parliament Steven Sim said in the event a demolition occurs, the residents will be re-housed at the nearby Desa Wawasan flat.
Meanwhile, Consumers' Association of Penang president S.M. Mohamed Idris called the authorities to investigate the legality of the land sale.The Land Office and local authority must investigate and then explain the results of these investigations to the people concerned to ensure that the sale and acquisition of the land in Kampung Permatang Tok Subuh was lawful.
"CAP views that the residents of Kampung Permatang Tok Subuh are entitled to compensation and basic needs and services for them and their future generations.
"CAP hopes that the Penang state government and the developer can provide permanent houses for the 26 families," he said in a statement today.
NEW STREET TIMES
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