KOTA KINABALU – Eviction and demolition orders against four squatter “colonies” here have raised humanitarian concerns.
Some 500 houses have been demolished over the past two weeks, and it cannot be ascertained if the individuals affected are Malaysian.
Much of the demolition was carried out by companies that own the land. The firms said they received court orders to evict residents in Kg Likas, Kg Momogun Manggatal, Bandar Putra Manggatal and Bukit Nenas.
Sepanggar MP Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman said Kota Kinabalu City Hall should have given consideration if the squatters are Malaysian.
“Personally, I don’t see a problem if they are illegal immigrants squatting in the area. They should be detained and deported.
“But if they are Malaysian, City Hall should have been more compassionate, and relocate them.”
It was reported that many of these squatters had paid “brokers” between RM1,000 and RM2,000 to set up homes in the areas concerned.
But, none was able to produce land ownership papers when the authorities asked to see them.
City Hall officers have been on the ground observing the demolition.
Mayor Noorliza Awang Alip did not issue a response when asked about the homes being destroyed and where the squatters will find shelter.
A local government official said demolition works have ceased for now, and will continue after Hari Raya Aidilfitri next month.
The official said parties demolishing the homes have legal papers to back them up, but did not respond to the query on where the affected individuals will now live.
The local government was tight-lipped when asked about matters related to the demolition, and there is barely any media allowed to record the exercise.
The Sabah Human Rights Commission office appeared to be unaware of the demolition, and did not respond to a query by The Vibes.
An indigenous rights group has hit out at the lack of empathy shown by the local and state governments.
Gindol Initiative for Civil Society Borneo chairman Kanol Gindol said demolishing the house of a person without providing an alternative is an act of “uncivilised men”.
“If the authorities say they have demolished 50 houses (in Kg Likas), the affected could reach 500 people, especially homes belonging to illegal immigrants.
“The next question is, where will these people go? I have heard that many are forced to erect shade for the night, while others have gone to their relatives’ houses.
“I wonder whether health authorities and the Welfare Department are concerned about this.” – The Vibes, April 21, 2021
