Malaysia Tamilar Munnetra Kalagam president VK Sri Ramesh said the Gombak land and district office had issued eviction notices to the residents under the National Land Code for unlawfully occupying government land.

Sri Ramesh claimed the authorities would demolish their houses on Nov 25, with 44 homes expected to be affected.

“The longstanding Indian settlement in Batu Caves is facing an unprecedented crisis, leaving its residents with no choice but to seek the intervention of Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah,” he said in a statement.

It is understood that the memorandum was received by a representative from Istana Bukit Kayangan.

Sri Ramesh said the settlement, located near the junction between Jalan Bunga Raya 2 and Jalan Tepi Sungai, was established by colonial authorities before Malaya’s independence to house Tamil labourers.

He said various residency permits and recognitions had been granted over the decades.

“Between 1985 and 1989, 39 residents received legal land titles valid until July 30, 2046. In 2013, an additional 77 residents were granted a 99-year lease,” he said.

Sri Ramesh expressed disappointment that the Selangor menteri besar’s office had reportedly “refused” to meet the residents over the matter.

“We call upon the state government to act with fairness, compassion, and respect the historical and legal standing of the settlement. No community should be subjected to displacement through intimidation or political manipulation,” he said.

FMT has reached out to an aide to Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari for comment.