KOTA KINABALU - The long-standing issue of migrants in Sabah remains a thorn on the side of many Sabahans, especially amid the expanding squatter areas.
Although it has been seven years since the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) was formed, those living near the squatter areas are fearful of what goes on in there.
Sabah police commissioner and former Esscom commander Hazani Ghazali said issues of the squatter areas are hard to resolve.
But, he said the migrants are not a problem to the locals.
“Illegal migrants are the ones creating problems, especially crime.”
Unhappy locals
Restaurant owner Fara Ramsah, 38, said she dare not enter migrant settlements alone and that poverty is rife there.
She alleged that the once peaceful villages are now hotbed for crimes, drugs and shelter for criminals.
Former journalist Ho Ken Nyen, 25, said the squatters are no-go zones if he had to go in alone.
“I don’t know who lives there. They are all foreign to me.”
Meanwhile, entrepreneur Neil Stephen, 42, said he would not go diving in areas near the squatters in Sipadan.
“A fish bomb might just go off when you are in the waters.”
Tawau resident Ardy Ismail said he cannot wait until the government finds a solution to resolve the migrant problem in Sabah.
“They (illegal migrants) should not be given any documents, they should be sent back from where they come from.” – The Vibes, September 24, 2020
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