KOTA KINABALU: Pledge to rid Luyang constituency of squatters came to fruition, claimed Luyang’s Community Development Leader (PPM N.21 Luyang) Gee Tien Siong.
Gee, who is also Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Vice President said the last of the standing illegal squatters in Luyang area is now demolished, a commitment he made in a statement in April this year.
He said with the cooperation of various government agencies and commitment, the decision to demolish all remaining illegal houses was finally successfully carried out.
“These squatters have been occupying the land belonging to the National Archives Department for more than ten years and nearby residents complained that their presence created various social problems. Now nearby residents can breathe a sigh of relief that this problem is finally resolved. These squatters were issued six months’ notice to relocate prior to the demolition. Many of them had given their full cooperation, dismantle their houses themselves and sold recoverable building materials and furniture and moved out.
However, according to Gee, who was at the scene with his UPPM Luyang team while witnessing the demolition process said eight squatter families who are local citizens had their name list collected and he will assist them to apply for government low-cost housing through the normal procedure. Another possible option is “Rent-to-Own” scheme, he added.
He thanked the Kota Kinabalu City Hall, Malaysia National Archives, Police Force, Water Department, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd, and Land and Survey Department for their concerted efforts to eliminate illegal houses in Luyang.
Gee urged Luyang voters to keep a watchful eye for any suspicious illegal structures sprouting and inform the Luyang Unit PPM office as soon as possible to curb any resurgence of illegal squatters within the constituency.
