Government condemns ‘heinous’ assault on police chief during Kampung Sungai Baru eviction

THE government has issued a united and forceful condemnation of the violence that erupted during an eviction operation in Kampung Sungai Baru, where a senior police officer was injured while overseeing enforcement.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail described the assault on Dang Wangi District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman, as “vile, uncivilised and wholly unacceptable.”

“I strongly condemn this act,” said Saifuddin in a statement on 11 September. “The incident, which resulted in injury to a public servant, reflects a serious breach of lawful conduct and social norms.”

He reiterated that while the Federal Constitution protects the right to peaceful assembly and expression, those freedoms must be exercised within legal and moral boundaries.

“Malaysia is a sovereign nation governed by the rule of law. Every citizen must respect the law and avoid actions that contravene national regulations,” he said. “I have instructed the authorities to carry out a thorough investigation and ensure those responsible are brought swiftly to justice. The integrity of our security forces and the safety of the public are non-negotiable.”

The operation, carried out under a court order, involved the demolition of unauthorised structures and the cutting of electricity to several homes. The situation escalated when a projectile, believed to be a stone, struck Sulizmie, causing a head injury. Footage of the incident, which shows a confrontation between residents and enforcement personnel, has since gone viral on social media.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also expressed dismay, stressing that residents had been given ample notice of the eviction.

“This situation should not have escalated. I will be asking Titiwangsa MP Datuk Seri Johari Ghani, who heads UMNO’s Special Task Force on the Urban Renewal Bill (RUU PSB), to resolve this matter promptly,” Zahid said, speaking at the Global Islamic Finance Summit on Thursday.

He noted that while the government is preparing for a formal convention on the Urban Renewal Bill, enforcement action would proceed in accordance with existing legislation.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also condemned the violence, describing the attack on the police officer as a “heinous act” and emphasising the government’s zero tolerance approach to public disorder. - September 11, 2025