Kota Kinabalu: Syndicates are obstructing City Hall’s (DBKK) plans to demolish unsafe dilapidated structures at what is left of the largely abandoned Sembulan water village, 10 minutes from the city centre.
The site which was then Jesselton’s first urban renewal scheme in the early 1960s is now dilapidated but syndicates have encouraged others to occupy these structures in order to profit from collecting illegal rentals.
What is puzzling residents nearby is that the relevant authorities, namely Water Department and Sabah Electricity, have yet to disconnect water and electricity supplies although the rightful owners had long evacuated.
“The authorities should demolish these structures that are unfit for habitation but are being rented by foreigners.
“Those renting out these uninhabitable premises should be identified and action taken. Not suitable staying there. If anything happens including any structure failure, DBKK will be blamed,” said a businessman, who identified himself only as Ahmad.
“The owners have evacuated due to expired leases. Their continued existence tarnishes the government’s image.
“Where did the current residents get these connections (water and electricity) from?” he asked.
However, if they are found to be occupying premises with still valid leases, then the owners should be traced and compounded.
Ahmad said the area is a hotbed for criminal activities, including drugs.
“It is also home to many stateless children often found begging in the city,” he said.
Another resident, Farizul, expressed concern over the negative image the area presents to tourists.
“The area is so filthy. There have been instances of tourists asking why the authorities are not doing anything about it,” he said.
DBKK announced it would implement eviction and demolition actions in Sembulan beginning early January 2026. The operation targets structures built without approval, dilapidated and unsafe buildings, as well as structures with expired leases.
According to DBKK, a census conducted from Dec. 8-12, last year, recorded 159 non-citizen heads of households renting in the area, the majority of whom hold invalid travel documents.
The area has also been identified as having one of the highest dengue transmission rates in Kota Kinabalu, posing significant public health risk.
DBKK also received numerous complaints from Kampung Sembulan residents regarding security and cleanliness issues in the area.
The enforcement action is part of efforts to improve the quality of the urban environment, security and residents’ welfare towards developing a more modern, organised, clean and liveable Sembulan.
Eviction, demolition and relocation notices were issued from Dec 18-22, 2025, with a reasonable period given for voluntary evacuation and self-demolition of unauthorised structures.
The enforcement is being carried out under existing legal provisions including the Local Government Ordinance 1961, DBKK Building By-Laws, DBKK Licensing and Hawkers By-Laws, and DBKK Cleanliness and Anti-Littering By-Laws.
DBKK warned that failure to comply with issued notices, including attempts to reoccupy the area or erect new structures without approval, will result in stern action including compounds, prosecution, confiscation and immediate demolition without further notice.
The operation would be conducted in stages in collaboration with various agencies including police, Fire and Rescue Department, Immigration Department, National Security Council and Sabah Internal Affairs Division to ensure public safety and order are maintained.
