Sabah marine cops help stateless ‘sea gypsies’ under lockdown

SEMPORNA – The Bajau Laut people, who normally avoid the authorities due to their undocumented status, are now approaching marine police for food after the community found themselves greatly impacted by the two-week targeted enhanced movement control order (Temco).

The movement curbs, effective October 10, were imposed following the detection of five Covid-19 clusters in the area.

The majority of Bajau Laut folk – also known as sea gypsies – are fishermen, and the Temco has seen them losing their income as they are unable to leave their villages to sell their catch in the town area.

Marine police are conducting patrols to ensure villagers abide by the rules, which also prevent them from going out to buy essential items.

Herman Majinji, a marine police staff, said villagers have approached the authorities, pleading for food for their families.

“Some families were left without food for three days. It is heartbreaking to see this, especially when some have babies in the family.”

Herman’s sister, Nirma, is coordinator of non-governmental group Hugs Project Semporna, which has been collecting food and other supplies for those in need.

“Nirma wanted to help them, but outsiders are not allowed in the red zone. So, my fellow marine police and I decided to help by transporting and distributing the supplies to these families,” said Herman.

“They can’t get aid from the government as they are undocumented.”

To date, marine cops have helped the NGO thrice, with more than 1,000 families getting food packs.

“We are doing this voluntarily because hunger does not know nationality. They are human, too. They do not deserve to be left hungry like this.”

The Temco is implemented in six localities here, including the smaller villages of Kg Bangau-Bangau, Kg Bangau-Bangau Hujung, Kg Bangau-Bangau Darat and Kg Hallo.

Other areas include Kg Ubian, Kg Panji, Kg Air, Kg Selamat, Kg Simunul and Kg Pinggir Bakau.

Besides Hugs Project Semporna, said Herman, IReach Kasih, too, has been collecting and sending aid to the affected villagers.

District officer Benedict Asmat told The Vibes that more than 8,600 of the state government’s food baskets have been distributed to residents in Temco areas. – The Vibes, October 16, 2020