PRS urges relevant authorities to improve living condition of dumpsite squatters
One of the six waiting huts at Kuala Baram dumpsite in Miri flying the state, national and BN flags.
KUCHING: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Senadin division urges the relevant authorities to look into ways to improve the living condition of squatters at Kuala Baram, Miri.
Its chairman Richard Wil said they hoped the residents of this squatter colony near a dumpsite would be given basic facilities, be resettled in a healthier environment and more.
He cited the life of Sabrina Ngumbang, a 13-year-old schoolgirl at the centre of a recent attempted conversion to Islam, as typical of the urban poor living without basic facilities such as electricity, water and sanitation.
“The family is typical of the urban hardcore poor. They have been living as squatters in the area for 20 years or so due to its proximity to their source of income – the city council’s dumpsite where her parents eke out a living through scavenging work,” said Richard who visited Sabrina’s family recently.
Richard, who is also a political secretary to the chief minister and a PRS Supreme Council member, said the visit was to get first hand information, and verify information on Sabrina’s case.
He revealed about 50 families were living in and around that area, the majority of whom being Methodists.
“Probably around 90 per cent are doing scavenging work,” he reported.
Richard said Sabrina, a Form 1 student of SMK Lutong, is the fifth child of Ngumbang Achu and Roslen Umbil.
Sabrina was earlier in life taken care of by her grandparents staying not far away from her parents’ hut.
“Living with the grandparents, slightly further away from the dumpsite, is thoughtful as the parent’s house is close to the dumpsite where the stench is unbearable.
“They do receive monthly assistance of RM450 from the State Welfare Department for the past two years,” Richard said.
He added that despite their hardship, the family are regular church goers – a nearby Methodist church provides transport to bring them to church.
On Friday, Sarawak United People’s Party vice-president Datuk Lee Kim Shin said he was investigating the status of dumpsite scavengers to determine their nationality.
He said if indeed they are Sarawakians, he would bring their case to the attention of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem for further action to be taken.
“When I went there previously, there were some foreigners. I am fully aware of the situation there. Action has been taken and the Land and Survey Department is checking whether these scavengers, who are also squatters, are locals.
“If they are found to be locals (we are not even considering Sabahans) and if they really need help, I will take the case to the chief minister and resettle them,” Lee told thesundaypost.