BY STUART MICHAEL

KUALA LUMPUR: Twenty-seven squatter houses in Segambut Estate were demolished on Friday amid protests.

About 400 people gathered outside the squatter area carrying placards since 7am to stop excavation work.

The protesters put up resistance but their efforts were futile after three excavators entered the area and began tearing down the houses from 9am.

The demolition exercise, which involved contractors, the FRU, police and court officials, was to make way for a driving school.

One of the protesters, N. Thirulselvan, 38, claimed that four generations of his family had been living in the estate.

"It is unfair for them to tear down my house. Now, I have to live on the streets," he said.

A court official, who wish not to be named, said that the squatters were given compensation and sufficient notice since September last year to vacate their homes.