KOTA KINABALU – The authorities are tearing down the squatter settlements in Kg Unggun, Menggatal again since the roughly 154ha plot has been gazetted as Sabah Fisheries Department’s land.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan said he has received public complaints that the squatters, who are suspected to be undocumented people, have been actively subdividing plots to not only illegally build their homes but also to grow vegetables.
“Since the land has been gazetted for the Fisheries Department, the state government has the authority to take legal action against these intruders under the Sabah Land Ordinance (Cap. 68).
“The Kota Kinabalu City Hall can also act in accordance with relevant by-laws or any other applicable rules and regulations on land use,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Jeffrey, who is also the state agriculture and fisheries minister, said the illegal activities have been going on for some time as the squatters now number more than 300 houses, spread over 100 acres.
Several police reports have been lodged in the past and demolition exercises had been carried out as part of coordinated operations involving the Fisheries Department, the police, Land and Survey Department and city hall.
Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd has also cut off power supply to the settlement, but the squatter have rooted themselves on the land nonetheless.
“We need to put our foot down and say enough is enough. Therefore, the ministry will collaborate with the police, city hall and the Lands and Surveys Department to conduct another demolition exercise.
“At the same time, we must ensure these stubborn squatters do not return or we will face the same problem again in a couple of years.” – The Vibes, April 4, 2021
