Kota Belud: Villagers of Kg Ambong here claim that some 200 outsiders encroached into a forest nearby last July with the intention of taking up lots of land. In a statement, they claimed that the individuals were from Kg Pangi, Pompod, Sombulingon and Kelawat including some from Kota Marudu, Penampang and Menggatal. According to the villagers, the outsiders were believed to have surveyed the forest area on Sundays in July and divided lots.
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They claim this was done without the knowledge of the village headman and Village Development and Security Committee chairman."We have planted rubber, coconuts and fruit trees on that land. So, we find it puzzling how they managed to get the Land Application (LA) issued and carried out the survey. We strongly object because it was done without the knowledge of the village chief and JKKK chairman.
"As far as we're concerned, these people have encroached on our land," said the villagers, adding that they had sent in their written objection to the Land and Survey Department Director and Kota Belud District Officer Gari Hitam. Then on Dec. 15, they claim that the encroachers came this time with bulldozers to clear the land.
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"We believe they didn't get any approval from the relevant authorities to do this," they said.Attached with their statement were photos showing the alleged land clearings and boundary stones.
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The villagers have lodged a police report and also brought the issue to the attention of the Kota Belud Member of Parliament.Despite having taken all these actions, they are frustrated that the issue remains unresolved.
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