§ Mr. Piratinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement concerning the burning, by order of the British authorities, of the village of Kachau, Seminyih District, Malaya, on 2nd November, 1948; how many homes were destroyed; how many families were rendered homeless; what accommodation was provided for them; and what was the purpose of the act.
Mr. Creech JonesThe inhabitants of Kachau harboured and assisted bandits responsible for two murders and the destruction of valuable property. They were warned of the consequences of continued collaboration but they consistently failed to give assistance to the authorities. On two occasions the bandits actually assembled in the village before carrying out their raids. In these circumstances, the police and troops took stern action and burned down 61 houses. The people, some 400, were given ample time to remove their belongings. The relief measures which the Social Welfare Department was ready to organise were not required because the people found shelter with their friends.