CARING: Chin (centre), Chia (standing back row, third right) and Ting (back row, second right) posing with the recipients during the presentation of donations.
MIRI: The Land and Survey Department (L&S) has a comprehensive plan to resettle squatters in the state. Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui said the resettlement of squatters from Canada Hill to an area in Tudan represented an example of this plan.
“The squatter colony data in Miri is the most complete and detailed one compared to other places in the state. This data is important as it has enabled the Land and Survey Department to map out a comprehensive strategy which is effective and friendly to the squatter colony,” he told reporters after presenting donations to fire victims at Pujut Corner yesterday.
However, Chin admitted that it was a great challenge for Miri to achieve zero squatter status as it involved, among others, implementing basic infrastructure facilities in the new resettlement area.
He pointed out that squatter colonies was an on-going phenomenon and usually sprang up in areas which were experiencing rapid development as it would induce rural-urban migration.
“Rural people migrate to urban areas in order to earn a living and uplift their living standard. When they are not able to cope with the high cost of living in urban centers, they have no choice but to join others and build their houses illegally at squatter areas.”
On housing problems faced by the fire victims, he said he had asked his political secretary Datuk Sebastian Ting to discuss with construction firm Naim to look for vacant flats to resettle the victims permanently.
He would also talk to L&S on the possibility of getting lots for the fire victims.
Earlier, Chin witnessed the presentation of donations from the Miri Che Sing Khor Moral Uplifting to the fire victims. Chin also presented some financial assistance from Mayang Fund. Also present was SUPP Pujut chairman Andy Chia Chu Fatt.