Conflicting instructions over demolition of Tg Aru jetty
Published on: Wednesday, July 27, 2016
TANJUNG ARU: Persatuan Nelayan Kg Tanjung Aru Baru, which has leased out Jeti Point Nelayan Tanjung Aru Baru, to a private company since 2014, is baffled over conflicting instructions pertaining to the demolition of illegal extensions made on the fishermen's jetty. Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Chairman of the Persatuan Nelayan Kg Tanjung Aru Baru, Matsah Sahat, 66, said despite an assurance from the Mayor that only illegal extensions would be demolished, there were indications from City Hall (DBKK) enforcement team that the entire jetty would be dismantled."On Monday, the men came and started knocking down the roof structures and the landing platform for tourists.
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Two gerai (one food and drink stall, and a craft stall) were also demolished. When we inquired, we were told that the arahan (directive) to demolish the jetty came from pihak atas (authority)."We wonder who this pihak atas is – the Mayor or our Wakil Rakyat Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah? By right, in the light of what is happening now, the YB should come to see us.
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He said the Government through Ko-Nelayan approved and built the jetty in 2008.Api Api Assemblywoman Christina Liew contacted the Mayor who explained that only illegal structures on the fishermen's jetty would be demolished.
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The Mayor reportedly issued a temporary stop demolition order, supposedly to be resumed after 24 hours, according to Matsah. "Maybe there is a misunderstanding here," he said.According to him, the Persatuan Nelayan entered into an agreement with Syarikat Borneo Proboscis River Lodge in 2014 to manage the jetty for mutual benefits. Prior to that, the facility was managed by other tour operators like Tanjung Aru Tours & Travel, and Palm Beach. "This is kampung business. Why deprive us of the opportunity to make some money? We are looking for extra income for our people," he said.When asked why the Persatuan Nelayan had not approached Yong for a solution, a resident who identified himself as Abd Razak Dulait replied, "As a citizen, I am disappointed with him. He should support us. Kami kasi dia menang. Dia tidak jaga orang dia. Saya Umno bah (We made him win. He doesn't look after his people. I am Umno bah)."Perhaps there was some miscommunication that led to this state of affairs. It is beyond comprehension that the relevant authorities would want to hurt the local economy by destroying the people's decent livelihood."The illegal extension structures aside, I see no reason for DBKK's intention to dismantle the entire jetty," said Liew.While conceding that regulations are regulations, Liew stressed that the authorities must ensure humane treatment of small business owners who are struggling to make ends meet. "For instance, even if it is true that the owner of the food and drink stall was operating without a trading licence, she should be given time to sort out the problem, instead of tearing down her stall outright."Dayang Amin bte Matyaman, a mother of six, who had been running her stall since 2009, told reporters that she received a notice from DBKK in April this year, ordering her to stop her business operation as she did not have a trading licence.However, the 61-year-old produced a licence in the name of Syt Usaha Dayang AM issued by DBKK and valid from January to December 2016. A saddened Dg Amin, who has lost her lifeline, said, "Saya ibu tunggal (I am a single mother). Di sinilah saya cari makan untuk belanja sekolah anak bongsu saya (This is where I earned a living to support my youngest child's schooling)."Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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