SABAH has formed a multi-agency task force comprising state and federal agencies to identify and demonlish squatter colonies.
Sabah police commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun announced that a three-phase operation codenamed “Ops Koloni Setinggan” will soon commence to eliminate such settlements in the state.
The operation will begin with small-sized squatter colonies in Kota Kinabalu, Semporna, Kudat, and Labuan before moving on to larger ones.
“So far, 1,388 demolition notices have been issued to squatter homes by the local authorities,” said Jauteh.
The exercise will see the eviction of about 100,000 people, some of whom are illegally residing in Malaysia.
Jauteh said ample time is given to the squatters to vacate their homes following the issuance of the eviction notices.
“After these squatter colonies are cleared, the authorities will fence them off or erect signs prohibiting trespassing,” Jauteh said, adding that action would also be taken against those without identity cards or valid travel documents.
“Those without proper documents will be handed to the authorities and prosecuted according to the law.”
Squatters have lived on land belonging to the government or its agencies for decades, and Jauteh believed the operation will help resolve the longstanding issues of illegal migration and settlements as well as drug abuse and littering.
“The operation can also overcome encroachment on government land, address crime, electricity and water thefts, and issues concerning hygiene and the environment,” he said.
In February, Jauteh announced the police were set to launch an operation to rid Sabah of illegal immigrants after identifying 538 squatter colonies as their hideouts. – June 27, 2024.
