KOTA KINABALU – The 21-ac RM478 million development in Semporna’s Kg Air will start once local squatters are moved to another settlement, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
The development, which also affects the Bajau Laut community, is helmed by Cepat Hebat Sdn Bhd and will have three-star and four-star hotels, offices, a hypermarket and walkways.
When asked about the Bajau Laut community, he said: “They are everywhere. They are not citizens of this country, so those who came here illegally, of course (we) have to do something about that, but there are laws and regulations that we have to follow regarding this.”
Meanwhile, Joachim said Semporna was one of the most visited areas in the state and it would be good to have a new development project to meet tourism demand.
“(Housing and Urban Development Board) land in Kg Air, Semporna is currently full with squatter houses. However, we are providing them with a site nearby for them to build a new and proper settlement.
“The development process will start soon, but the problem now is how long will it take to make sure these squatters move out from this particular area. This will take time,” he was quoted as saying by Borneo Post Online after witnessing the signing of a joint-venture agreement between the housing board and Cepat Hebat today.
According to the housing board’s preliminary survey, about 200 heads of household in Kg Air are Malaysians.
He said the new settlement area for locals in housing board land in Kg Air would be at Kg Tinagayan.
“We are going to prepare about 500 lots for them.”
Last week, authorities conducted eviction operations against the Bajau Laut community living on seven islands in Semporna, including Pulau Bohey Dulang, Pulau Maiga, Pulau Bodgaya, Pulau Sebangkat and Pulau Sibuan.
The majority of the Bajau Laut are stateless sea nomads, living offshore in wooden houseboats or huts built on stilts in the Semporna district of Sabah.
Most Bajau Laut residents do not possess identification documents, rendering them unable to access basic facilities such as education, financial or health services. – June 13, 2024