BINTULU: The 374 households staying in the Sungai Sebiew squatter area who have been told to move out from the area by March this year are urged to solve their resettlement issue with the local authorities amicably.
In giving the advice, Bintulu Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing called on them to give their full cooperation in the process.
He said this is to give way to the appointed contractor to begin dredging the Sg Sebiew in May this year.
“I hope the residents involved would cooperate for the wellbeing of the locals in ensuring that the dredging works in Sungai Sebiew run smoothly,” he said.
He added the government would not hesitate to use force if they still refused to cooperate, including demolishing their houses and cutting off electricity and water supply.
He said although the government did not provide compensation for their relocation, the relevant authorities had identified several areas for the resettlement scheme.
Tiong gave this reminder at a press conference after attending a special dialogue with the local community leaders, organised by Bintulu Development Authority, on Tuesday.
The special dialogue, among others, was to discuss issues related to the resettlement of squatters along Sg Sebiew for the Sg Sebiew dredging project.
The dialogue also touched on the long-term benefits of the Sg Sebiew dredging and other flood mitigation projects, as a solution to the frequent floods in Bintulu.
He hoped the local grassroots leaders will disseminate accurate information to the affected people, so that they will understand the need for them to move out from the area, and to avoid any form of conflict or dissatisfaction.
He said a series of dialogues with the affected residents and the relevant government agencies had been conducted.