§ 78. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the population of the village of Jenderam, Malaya, where police action was taken on 15th February; how many inhabitants were detained; and how many huts were destroyed.
§ Mr. CookThe 1,600 inhabitants of Jenderam, consisting mostly of Indonesians, Malays and Chinese, were detained under Emergency Regulation 17D, which provides for collective detention; they have been evacuated to a camp for screening after which those who can safely be released will be resettled.
The reason for this action was that Jenderam had long been a hotbed of Communist activities. It had been a centre for providing supplies and recruits for terrorist bands operating in South Selangor. No information whatever had been forthcoming from the inhabitants. The people are being well cared for and will receive compensation for goods they were unable to take with them. Those who are eventually resettled will of course receive Government assistance in the normal course.
This operation was carried out only after careful consideration, and is exceptional; it emphasises by contrast the Government's constructive and progressive policy elsewhere in Malaya in assisting all those who show willingness to cooperate in the restoration of law and order.