We can do better
It’s one thing to have a Zero Squatter policy, but another when we examine the means to this end. Current mechanisms lack a basic virtue: Heart. These are human beings here.
By Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia
The back half of these rows of terrace houses started coming down two weeks ago. It was on this desolate road at Kampung Sentul Pasar that we met Raja. His family is one of a handful left inhabiting the remains of houses, which once provided shelter for KTM staff. Sections of his roof are covered with frittered sheets of tarp.
“I’m okay with being resettled in a flat,” says Raja in Tamil. “But why send me and my family packing to a place deep at the fringe of Puchong? How do I start again? How do I find work? I was born and raised here in Sentul Pasar. My support is here. Sini boleh cari kerja – tolong bawa lori, angkat barang. It’s as good as taking away my livelihood.”
His voice remains even, but it gets raspy from the built-up frustration. “Macam mana mau dapat susu untuk anak” he gestures towards the direction of his wife and five-month-old baby.
