Relocated 300 squatters relieved and grateful

PAPAR: About 300 residents who squatted at Kg Shariff Osman in Luyang for about 20 years are relieved now that they have been relocated to new and more comfortable houses at the People's Housing Project (PPR) at Taman Kinarut Ria, here.The 42 families were among squatters who were ordered to vacate the six-acre site in the village area to make way for the construction of a new Kota Kinabalu High Court Complex building, which is now on-going.

Their spokesperson, Raffles Magadup, said they are grateful and thankful to the Government as well as several non-governmental organisations like COSA, I-Link Berhad and Persatuan Anak Negeri (PAN) for helping them until they moved into the units for free as the deposits were covered by the developer.

"Seventy per cent of us who are Rungus and Dusun Kima Ragang were from Kota Marudu and we did not have fixed income, no houses to stay and no job opportunities that could assure our future.

"Therefore, we decided to migrate to the State Capital and stayed at Kg Shariff Osman for about 20 years without basic amenities as long as we could earn an income and feed our families.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Sabah revenue hits RM6.97 billion: Hajiji says GRS State Government may see full term

Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government continued its momentum in managing the economy in line with the commitment and spirit of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) when it posted record high state revenue of RM6.973 billion last year.

"But when we received the eviction notices to leave our village this year, we were shocked as we did not know where to live. Fortunately, the Government and several NGOs like I-Link Berhad have helped us until we were relocated to the PPR units in Kinarut," he said.

Magadup said this in his speech at a thanksgiving ceremony organised by I-Link Berhad, in conjunction with the forthcoming Christmas and New Year at Taman Kinarut Ria, here, Saturday.

The residents were entertained with several performances from children and carolling as well as lucky draw prizes.

I-Link Berhad Chairman Avis Chong, Cosa Chairman Pastor Chin Chi Kiong and PAN members were also present at the event.

Magadup said they are thankful to the Government for its attention and commitment to help them until they moved to the units for which they only need to pay a monthly rental of RM180.

He said they are living comfortably as they are able to enjoy basic amenities like power and water supply to their units.

Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.

Daily Express Malaysia

Meanwhile, I-Link Berhad project manager Jane Chow said they have also helped those families with senior citizens and special children to be placed at the ground floor units, including those with medical reports.

While they are pleased the residents have been relocated to the units since October, she said the organisation would still assist the residents for any difficulties they may have.

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00