Original Source Story by Minderjeet Kaur: Free Malaysia Today, Dec 12, 2024
As reported in Free Malaysia Today, A century-old family bungalow, steeped in history as the first residence in Rawang to receive electricity, now stands at the heart of a legal battle. MBS Member Jimmy Sidhu and his family, occupants of the 104-year-old home on Jalan Kuala Garing, are fighting to preserve their heritage following an eviction notice issued by the Shah Alam High Court on November 19.
This eviction notice has forced the family to relive a painful chapter from seven years ago when their home was first threatened with demolition. The bungalow, located just 1.8km from Rawang’s town centre and surrounded by four schools, symbolises Rawang’s industrial history, built in 1920 by Berjuntai Tin Dredging Bhd during the tin mining boom.
The family’s shock over the notice is compounded by the fact that the mining lease for the land is set to expire in April 2025. "Four generations have lived here. This is not just a house; it is a part of our history," said Sidhu.
A Long Struggle Against Unresolved Land Ownership
The Sidhu family’s battle to secure ownership of the land dates back to 1967, when the first application was made to the Kuala Kubu Bharu land office (later renamed the Gombak land office). Despite multiple applications, the latest in 2023, the family’s efforts to acquire the land have been met with silence.
The bungalow has survived decades of turmoil, with ownership transferred to the Sidhu family in 1989 through a deed of assignment. Yet, despite this, the land remains tied to a mining lease granted to cement manufacturers, which led to a failed 10-year court battle culminating in an order for demolition in 2017.
Eviction Stalled but Uncertainty Looms
For now, the family has obtained a stay order from the High Court, buying precious time to fight the eviction. Sidhu expressed hope for a resolution, though the looming possibility of demolition has left his family of five—his wife, mother, and two children—deeply distressed.
“This home represents generations of memories and sacrifices. Losing it would erase a vital piece of Rawang’s history," Sidhu said.
Similar Cases Offer Hope
The plight of the Sidhu family is reminiscent of other landmark cases in Malaysia, where eviction notices were overturned in favour of preserving heritage and community rights.
In 2021, the iconic Rumah Degil in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, faced demolition for redevelopment but was saved following public outcry and intervention by heritage conservation groups.
Another notable example is the 2019 victory of the Chew Jetty community in Penang, which resisted eviction by developers, securing recognition as a UNESCO heritage site.
These cases underline the importance of community solidarity and legal persistence in protecting cultural and historical legacies.
A Call for Government Intervention
The Sidhu family’s struggle underscores the need for a more efficient resolution of land ownership disputes, particularly when historical and cultural significance is at stake. Sidhu appealed to authorities to expedite their application and consider the broader implications of erasing such a landmark.
With Malaysia’s increasing emphasis on preserving its heritage, the family hopes their bungalow’s story will end not in destruction, but in recognition as a valuable piece of the nation’s history.
As this legal battle continues, all eyes are on whether Jimmy's iconic Rawang bungalow will join the ranks of homes saved by persistence and a commitment to cultural preservation. We are keeping our fingers crossed.
Comentários