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INANAM: Residents of Kampung Kapa are living in fear as illegal squatter houses have mushroomed around their homes, forming a growing and unchecked colony.

Located at Batu 7 off Tuaran Road, the area zoned for industry has only three double-storey detached homes.  Over the years, residents said squatters have moved into vacant lots and rapidly expanded.

“I’ve lived here for over 30 years and watch it happen from one illegal house to eight with over 50 occupants,” said a resident who requested anonymity.  “Now we’re surrounded by illegal immigrants. Despite lodging reports, residents say little has been done. 

“The police come occasionally to patrol, but there’s been no real action,” the resident said.

Another cluster of illegal homes has also sprung up on a nearby hill, further heightening fears for safety. 

“Even friends are afraid to visit us, they have to pass the squatter area just to get to our homes,” the resident said.

To protect themselves, residents have installed CCTV systems and keep guard dogs. 

“We’ve even seen small children wandering close to our houses, peeking around. It’s worrying.”

More concerning, the resident added, is the illegal tapping of water and electricity, which they believe has caused bills to rise and disrupted their utility supply.

“When they hold parties, like weddings, the single-lane road gets jammed with vehicles. 

“The karaoke goes on until early morning. The noise even reaches Sri Warisan Apartment across the monsoon drain,” said the resident.

The area is also plagued by domestic disturbances. 

“Some of their behaviour is violent. Almost every day, you hear shouting, men threatening, women crying, sometimes even shouting death threats,” said the resident.

The environment has further deteriorated due to poor maintenance. 

“The grass is rarely cut, it hides everything from the authorities’ view. The road is full of potholes,” said the resident.

A nearby row of four shoplots, abandoned for over 20 years, has recently seen a surge in activity. 

“Now there’s a workshop, a car accessories shop, a gas outlet, even a pub. But have stopped operating during the lockdown. The place is filthy. When it rains, it floods,” the resident.

Residents hope the area can be cleaned up and revitalised. 

“Maybe turn the old shops into a coffee house, a place where we can sit, and even attract travellers heading north of Kota Kinabalu to stop by,” said the resident.