SABAH opposition leader Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal hit out at the ruling parties for the string of evictions in the state carried out when they came to power in 2020
The Warisan president accused them of displacing locals and questioned whether the government prioritises development over the well-being of the people.
“Development is crucial, but the welfare of the people must also be taken care of.
"You can’t just throw them out without offering a proper place to stay,” he said during a Chinese New Year walkabout at Gaya Street’s weekend market.
Shafie cited the evictions in Tanjung Aru low-cost flats, Sembulan Tengah, and Sepanggar, where he said these residents may have lived in their homes for decades.
“Where will they live if no assistance is provided? Surely, you don’t want them to live by the roadside,” said Shafie, adding that aid must be extended to Malaysians who are in Sabah.
It is noted the state housing board, LPPB, is evicting residents from Tanjung Aru low-cost flats without revealing redevelopment plans, while Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu is clearing Sembulan Tengah for the Sembulan Urban Renewal Scheme.
The latest report of eviction includes Sepanggar, where villagers would be displaced to construct a drain.
Other notable evictions or possible evictions by the current state regime include plans to relocate the Gaya Island villagers to make way for a resort and residents of the former pulp mill, Sabah Forest Industries, in Sipitang.
Towards this end, Shafie recalled as chief minister the eviction of thousands in Kampung Gana, Kota Marudu, where he compensated Safoda.
The Semporna MP also noted that he had also approved housing in Kampung Gana when he was the federal rural and regional development minister in favour of the then Kota Marudu MP Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili, years ago.
“I have spoken to the local government and housing minister, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, to provide alternative housing before evictions. They can be given rented units or support like down payment assistance to buy a house,” he said. - January 19, 2025
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