KOTA KINABALU – Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor has expressed his opposition to the eviction of tenants who have occupied Sabah Housing and Urban Development Board’s (LPPB) public housing for over 10 years.
He has since instructed officials from the Sabah Local Government and Housing Ministry and LPPB to present their justification during the next state cabinet meeting, adding that the cabinet will reach a resolution on the issue in the coming week.
“The eviction came from warnings in the auditor-general’s report. I have spoken to the Sabah state secretary (Datuk Seri Safar Untong) for the ministry and LPPB to present the matter to the state cabinet.
“Personally, I will not allow the eviction. This is a serious issue. The government and chief minister’s office has not been informed on the matter.
“The people are facing difficulties. If they are evicted…how? I was surprised when I heard the news. It is not something that cannot be resolved,” said Hajiji, assuring the welfare of the tenants will be taken into account regardless of what the cabinet decision may be.
Hajiji said this after attending the closing ceremony of the Sabah Student Consultative Council Conference at Ming Garden Hotel late last night.
Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah, Sarawak, and Special Functions) Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali; Sabah Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Datuk Haji Mohd Arifin Haji Mohd Arif; and Safar.
The notice issued to the tenants, who have been residing in the public housing for more than 10 years, instructed them to vacate their residences due to non-compliance with the stipulated rental period.
The notice was issued by LPPB to tenants in several public housing areas in Kota Kinabalu city.
Sabah deputy chief minister and local government and housing minister Datuk Joachim Gunsalam yesterday defended the eviction, saying the tenants should allow B40 families to enjoy the cheaper public housing facility.
The eviction notice had gone viral two days ago, triggering criticism of the state government by several opposition leaders. – The Vibes, June 23, 2023
