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THE State Government needs to carefully filter the citizenship status of Pulau Gaya residents and conduct a detailed study before proceeding with the relocation plan to develop the island, says Karambrunai Assemblyman Yakubah Khan. 

“While this is a positive development for Pulau Gaya, a comprehensive relocation plan is necessary to avoid a repeat of problems in the past,” he said.  

He recalled the previous relocation issues of island residents to Telipok in which improper planning and poor housing facilities led to an increase of squatters and social ills. 

Yakub was commenting on the announcement by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji on transformation plans for the island during his recent visit to Pulau Gaya. 

Yakubah said Pulau Gaya consists of communities with a close relationship with the sea. 

“If moved to the mainland, far away from the life they were accustomed to, of course they will struggle to adapt,” said Yakubah. 

In Kg Numbak, he noted a similar problem that started with the relocation of 534 families into disorganized “temporary settlements” which led to a proliferation of squatter colonies outnumbering local residents. 

Yakubah lamented that this “temporary housing” has now lasted 23 years and squatter colonies have run rampant unchecked and caused major problems for locals.