Halt forced evictions, respect right to housing – Suhakam

The Malaysian human rights commission Suhakam expresses its deep concern over the ongoing situation involving the residents of Kampung Jalan Papan in Pandamaran, Klang, Selangor, following allegations of forced evictions and demolition of homes to make way for development projects.

According to media and civil society reports, more than 30 houses, including occupied homes, were demolished, despite the reported instruction from the office of the Selangor chief minister that no forced evictions or demolitions of occupied homes and premises should be carried out.

If there has been inadequate consultation with affected residents, Suhakam advises the state government to take immediate steps to ensure that a transparent and participatory consultation process is conducted.

Many residents, who have lived in the area for decades and contributed to the social and economic life of the community, were reportedly not adequately consulted or provided with viable housing alternatives. This has left them uncertain about their future and without clarity regarding relocation or compensation arrangements.

Suhakam wishes to remind all authorities that the right to adequate housing is a fundamental human right, recognised under Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and Article 11(1) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to which Malaysia has expressed its commitment. This right is further supported by principles in the Federal Constitution guaranteeing the right to life and dignity.

Forced evictions, if found to be carried out without due process, consultation or provision of alternative housing, are inconsistent with Malaysia’s international human rights obligations. Evictions must never render individuals or families homeless or vulnerable to further human rights violations.

Suhakam underscores that the Selangor state government and its agencies have an obligation to ensure that any redevelopment project complies with human rights standards, including:

• genuine consultation with affected residents prior to eviction
• provision of adequate notice and transparent information about the development process
• guarantees of security of tenure and fair compensation where displacement is unavoidable and
• availability of adequate alternative housing or relocation sites before any demolition or relocation is carried out

While recognising the importance of urban development and housing improvement, Suhakam is of the view that development must not come at the expense of the rights and dignity of the people.

The treatment of long-standing communities, such as those at Kampung Jalan Papan, reflects the nation’s commitment to inclusive and rights-based governance.

Suhakam therefore calls on:

• The Selangor State Government, the relevant state agencies, and developers to immediately halt any further evictions until a proper and transparent consultation process is undertaken with affected residents
• The state to provide immediate humanitarian assistance and temporary shelter for families affected by demolition
• The authorities to engage with residents in good faith to develop long-term resettlement or housing solutions that uphold the right to adequate housing
• The state government to review its housing and land development policies to prevent the recurrence of forced evictions, ensuring that all future projects are carried out in line with human rights standards and due process

Suhakam reiterates that progress and development must be pursued in a manner that respects human dignity, protects vulnerable communities, and upholds the rule of law.

The right to adequate housing is not merely a policy choice but a legal and moral responsibility of the state. – Suhakam

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