'Check all P'pang illegal squatters' call
Published on: Saturday, March 21, 2015
Kota Kinabalu: PKR Penampang Deputy Chief Kenny Chua has urged the State Government to check on all the illegal squatter areas in Penampang to weed out illegal immigrants and dubious Malaysian citizenship holders. In making the call, Chua said that it is the responsibility of the State Government to ensure the district is secure and safe from any foreign elements that could potentially create unrest.
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"No one can deny it that some of these squatters in Penampang may very well be used as safe haven for the illegal immigrants related or sympathetic to the Sulu militants. "Some of the squatters in Penampang are located in areas that can provide multiple escape routes either by vehicle or by foot thus, some may be able to escape from our security personnel during raids," he said.Chua, who is also Sabah's MyWatch Chief, said that apart from security threat, squatters are also well known to make illegal electricity and water connections."Illegal connection of electricity and water had caused Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd/Water Department huge losses of revenue, wastage and also disruption. And sadly, genuine Sabahans in Penampang have to bear the brunt during disruptions or when the tariffs have to be increased to cover losses."
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Chua also questioned why must the illegal immigrants be enjoying free electricity and water supply while genuine Sabahans have to pay for it. He pointed out that most squatters do not have proper rubbish disposal, sanitary or drainage systems and this could potentially cause outbreaks such as cholera or dengue and other water/airborne diseases.
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"The illegal immigrants occupying the squatter areas around Penampang have a very bad habit of indiscriminate dumping or throwing of rubbish at bushes and this would attract mosquitoes, rats, stray dogs and other pests scavenging for food. As a result, plastics and other garbage will be strewn all over the place, creating a very ugly sight to outsiders."These squatters are also a perfect place for drug addicts and glue sniffing stateless children to congregate and we cannot rule it out that when they get high, they will trespass or break into the nearby locals' houses. And when they do, there is a high possibility for them to steal things," he added.Chua however said that his greatest concern is that when a particular colony becomes too big over time, the State government may finally have to provide low cost housing to the inhabitants if there is a necessity to demolish the colony."This is the reason why all the squatter areas in Penampang must be dealt with. The State government must do it now and there should be no more dilly-dallying. How could the government continuously close their eyes to all the squatters in Penampang?Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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