Squatters in Jalan Shahbandar, Maluri want to move out

KUALA LUMPUR: Thirty-two families in a squatter settlement in Jalan Shahbandar, Maluri here, are living in fear as their houses have been badly damaged by flash floods and are hoping to move out soon.
The residents who are living on land under private ownership are also worried since there has been no instruction to move to out despite the land earmarked for development projects.
One of the residents, Leong Yean Ham, 60, a single mother, said a damaged roof and knee-deep of flash floods had caused her family to stay at ar relative's home.
"Besides that, the bushes in this area have caused snakes and poisonous insects to enter our house," she told reporters, here today.
Another resident, Wong Kok Hwa, 37, said their surroundings was 'damaged' by the presence of foreigners who threw garbage everywhere and had caused the drains to be clogged.
"Because of the dirty surroundings, I have been admitted to hospital several times due to dengue fever," he said.
Meanwhile, Cheras MCA Wanita head Heng Sinn Yee said they would discuss with the developer and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to immediately shift the 32 families.
Until August this year, a total of 100 families living there have been evacuated to new homes.
"Since they are living in a squatter area, they seem to be marginalised by the surrounding communities and people do not know about their existence in the area.
"While waiting for evacuation instructions, I will discuss with the Drainage and Irrigation Department and DBKL to solve the clogged drains and cleanliness problems in the area," she said. — Bernama