SANDAKAN – PAS has called on the Sabah state government to handle the problem of squatter colonies in the state “humanely”.
Sabah PAS information chief Aliakbar Gulasan said the authorities must not use force or violence against these colonies, saying occupants must be given prior warning notices and must be involved in discussions with the authorities before their houses can be destroyed.
“The problem of squatter settlement is a long-standing problem in Sabah that must be handled and solved with humanity and prudence.
“The squatter settlements that have been built randomly without permission have been negatively impacting Sabah in terms of electricity and water usage (theft), frequent fire incidents and unplanned and uncontrolled settlement structures, which have been causing pollution in the surrounding areas.
“The laws should be enforced, but they must be done with humanity and fairness. The government must make strategic plans by building proper housing or preparing a land site (for the squatters),” he said in a statement today.
Aliakbar’s statement was responding to the recent incident involving Sabah authorities demolishing and burning down houses occupied by the Bajau Laut community in Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Semporna, last week.
The actions of the Sabah government received widespread public backlash, with certain quarters labelling them “barbaric”.
Aliakbar noted that according to the Sabah Local Government and Housing Ministry, there were about 24,000 squatter houses in Sabah, and they must be managed more systematically.
He said the Wawasan Induk Negara Sejahtera 2051 plan presented by PAS, among others, outlined that the nation must be developed on the principle of sustainability.
“After 60 years of being independent, Sabah should have solved this issue long ago. There should not be any community left behind from enjoying the prosperity of the country,” he added. – June 12, 2024