KOTA KINABALU: A total of 26 squatter houses erected illegally on state forestry department land were demolished in an operation in Sabah’s east coast Kunak district.
The operation at Kampung Kulluk Jaya on Thursday (Nov 21) was carried out after an eviction notice was issued last month.
Kunak police chief Supt Sabarudin Rahmat said the demolition exercise was done in accordance to Section 173(1)(h) of the Sabah Land Ordinance and under Chapter 68 of the Land Ordinance.
He added that this was based on the notices issued by the Kunak Lands and Surveys Department officer and Kunak District Council executive officer on Sept 24.
“The operation went smoothly without any objection or provocation from the squatters concerned,” he said, in a statement on Friday (Nov 22).
He said the exercise was intended to eradicate illegal settlements and ensure the comfort and safety of the surrounding community.
Supt Sabarudin said the operation involved personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force (APM) and Rela.
“It also involved staff from the Public Works Department (JKR), state Forestry Department, Fisheries Department, Sabah Electricity, Sabah Port and district council,” he said.
He added that 23 police officers and personnel were also present to provide security control during the operation.
