KOTA KINABALU: A multi-agency operation to weed out squatter homes and undocumented migrants here saw 63 illegal structures demolished.
The exercise at about 3.30pm last Saturday also saw 13 foreigners arrested for not having valid travel documents.
Kota Kinabalu police chief Asst Comm Kasim Muda said yesterday that the houses were torn down because they were illegally built and did not meet safety standards.
“The demolition was not only meant to eradicate illegal settlements but also for the safety and comfort of surrounding areas.
“Besides that, we also detained 13 people, comprising Filipinos and Indonesians, among others, for not having personal (identification) papers.”
The detainees will be investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63, he said.
ACP Kasim said the operation will be continued in an effort to combat crime, drugs and other social ills in the city.
He urged the public to cooperate with the authorities by reporting any suspicious activities.
Besides the police, other agencies involved in the operation were the National Registration Department, Rela, Civil Defence Force, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd, Sabah Water Department, State Lands and Surveys Department and the Community Welfare Department.
