D-Day for tenants of Tanjung Aru low-cost flats

TENSION hangs heavy at the Tanjung Aru low-cost flats as the clock counts down to the eviction deadline. 

Today (September 30), is marked as D-Day for the remaining 80 or so tenants, who have fought against their eviction for over two years. 

The eviction saga began in May 2021, when the Sabah Housing and Town Development Board (LPPB) first issued notices for over 300 households to vacate the premises. 

The residents were caught off-guard, as no prior safety assessments or consultations had taken place before the eviction notice was issued.

It wasn't until 2022 that an independent consultant was hired to assess the condition of the buildings.

The assessment concluded that the buildings were unsafe, prompting LPPB to proceed with eviction plans. 

Since the initial notice, the tenants have made numerous attempts to halt the process through appeals, petitions, and direct meetings with local leaders, including Tanjung Aru Assemblyman Datuk Junz Wong and Putatan MP Datuk Shahelmy Yahya. 

Their pleas, however, have been met with limited success. 

In June this year, LPPB extended the eviction deadline from August 31 to September 30, but the reprieve provided little relief to the anxious tenants.

“We’ve lived here for years; this place is more than just a house to us. It’s where we’ve raised our children, where we’ve built our lives,” said a tenant, who requested anonymity. 

He added that he is still waiting for approval for a unit at another LPPB flat in Kibabaig, Penampang.

The 46-year-old, who has lived at the flats since the 1980s, said that this was his last resort and, in his desperation, sought a recommendation letter from Sabah Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam. 

He had sought the recommendation for two units in Penampang for his family and his parents. 

“I had to secure an appointment with the minister and asked for a recommendation letter to include in my application for a new unit,” he said. 

Dr. Gunsalam had previously stated that the eviction remains in effect as all the tenants had lost their eligibility after staying beyond the 10-year agreement period stipulated for the low-cost flats. 

Still, LPPB had also offered alternative units to eligible tenants at Indah Permai flats, but many turned down the offer due to safety concerns.

 “We’ve heard numerous stories of cars and homes being broken into, and people getting robbed in the area,” said another resident, explaining why they refused to relocate. 

She added she also still has school-going children in the nearby area and pleaded that moving out would be best after the school-term is over. 

The tenants also requested for units at LPPB flats in Taman Serigai, Putatan, and PPR Kibabaig flats in Penampang. 

However, available units are limited, leaving many without viable options. 

Despite their pleas, LPPB remains firm on the eviction, citing safety issues. 

Residents have accused the authorities of neglecting maintenance, leading to the current dilapidated state of the buildings despite having paid the RM170 monthly rent.  

There is no clear plan yet from LPPB what they plan to do with the low-cost flats where it sits on prime real estate in the tourism belt of Kota Kinabalu. No official announcements have been made regarding redevelopment or new projects for the area. - September 30, 2024