DBKK begins demolition works
Published on: Thursday, January 19, 2017
Kota Kinabalu: City Hall began demolition works on squatter houses along Jalan Pinggir 1 and Jalan Pinggir 2 at Bukit Bendera, here, Wednesday.A total of 30 notices were issued on Feb 17 last year to the estimated 50 to 60 squatters staying in the area. However, demolition works were postponed after they appealed for time to vacate the government-owned land.
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"It has been more than 30 days since the eviction notice was served and we have to carry out orders to demolish the illegal structures," said City Hall Assistant Chief (Squatters Division) Insp. Mohd Romzi Musa.He said a majority of them comprised locals from Kudat who have migrated to the city in search of work."Some have been staying in the area for more than 20 years," he said, adding that verbal warning to evict the area has also been given previously. However, many still remained in the area. A total of 25 personnel and officers from City Hall, the Water Department, Land and Survey Department, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd and the police arrived at the site at about 9am.
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There was a slight delay in demolition works when several residents tried to negotiate for more time to be given. Demolition works only began an hour later after they were allowed to temporarily keep their belongings at an old quarters which belonged to the Public Works Department.
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Nothing untoward took place during the operation which also included disconnecting illegal wiring and illegal water connection in the area.Head of the squatter residents, Jobi Mojita, 60, said they are aware that they are encroaching on government land and that they are supposed to vacate the area. "We do not mind relocating but we appeal for time to be given at least until we have a place to relocate to," he said. He said he submitted a letter to the Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor dated Feb 23 last year after receiving the eviction notice. "I appealed to the Minister for us to be relocated to a settlement, given that we are Malaysian citizens from the low income bracket and have young families. "In response, the Minister had directed his Permanent Secretary to give priority to us for relocation, whether it is at the Minintod or Putatan low-cost housing estate," he said. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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