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KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Joachim Gunsalam (pic), has denied allegations of mistreatment in the Rumah Pangsa Tanjung Aru (RPTA) relocation issue, saying that the Sabah Housing and Town Development Authority (LPPB) is only acting based on safety concerns and all residents have been offered alternative housing.

Joachim, who is also Local Government and Housing Minister, explained that the over-50-year-old RPTA buildings are no longer safe due to their deteriorating condition, with unsustainable maintenance costs compounded by rental arrears totalling RM236,585 as of December 2024.

He said despite the government’s efforts to arrange alternative housing for the residents, certain residents refuse to vacate the flats. 

“Eligible residents were offered houses when units became available, and even those who declined the initial offers due to preference for suitable locations were given second chances and priority for housing when units became available in their preferred locations.

“The residents themselves have rejected multiple housing offers from LPPB, leaving LPPB with no choice but to ask them to move to alternative housing on their own,” he said in a statement on Friday.