KOTA KINABALU: Forty-two stubborn squatters who ignored warnings from the authorities were left homeless when the City Hall (DBKK) demolished their houses that were built illegally at Kampung Sembulan Lama here yesterday morning.
The 42 houses were built without any proper permits next to legitimate houses in an apparent bid to avoid being detected by the authorities.
Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai said the operation to pull down the illegal houses was made following complaints from residents in the area.
“We came to know about these illegal houses during a recent gotong-royong in March this year.
“Following the complaints and investigation, we identified about 42 houses that were built illegally and without any approval from the authority. So today we carried out an integrated operation to demolish all these illegal houses,” he said at Kampung Sembulan Lama yesterday.
Also present was city police chief ACP M. Chandra.
According to Yeo, City Hall had given warning notices to the affected residents on March 30 and notices of evacuation on April 13.
“They stayed in this area and built houses illegally. We gave them ample time to pack their belongings and move before the operation was carried out but some were stubborn and refused to move.
“We have no choice but to force them to vacate their homes so demolition can be carried out,” said Yeo, adding that 13 other houses have also been marked for demolition soon.
Meanwhile, Chandra said 135 people were detained following the integrated operation which began at 1am yesterday.
“From the 135 people that were held for documentation, 30 were arrested for staying in the country illegally. They comprise 15 men, eight women and six children from the Philippines and an Indonesian man, all between the ages of 10 and 40,” he said, adding that those detained would be referred to the Immigration Department for further action.
Chandra added that seven men were also arrested for drug activities and were held under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Among the agencies and departments that were involved in yesterday’s operation were the National Security Council, Land and Survey Department, National Registration Department, Immigration Department, Welfare Department, Fire and Rescue Services Department, Health Department, Water Department and Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd.