KOTA KINABALU: Claims that police demolished a house and threatened an individual during an operation in Pulau Bugaya, a water village in Semporna, Sabah, have been found to be untrue, says Datuk Jauteh Jikun.
The Sabah police commissioner said an investigation into the issue, which went viral on social media, revealed that the complainant, the widow of a police officer killed in the 2013 Kampung Simunul massacre, did not live in the house in question.
“Following the report, we sent officers to investigate and understand the family’s situation. The family clarified that the complainant occasionally visits the area with her family.
“She lives on the mainland and owns several properties. The house in question belongs to her father, built in the 1980s, and is currently occupied by her brother and his relatives,” Jauteh explained
Jauteh noted that misunderstandings may have arisen during the operation due to the area being classified as a protected zone.
This led to confusion over the family’s claim of residing there since the 1980s.
“As a result, the operation was halted. The family is still receiving government assistance,” he added.
He clarified that no threats were made against the complainant and the house was not demolished.
“What was demolished were several dilapidated houses believed to belong to non-Malaysians. The demolition notices were issued by Sabah Parks, and the enforcement team, including police, acted accordingly,” Jauteh said.
He said that 3,257 houses in illegal squatter colonies have been demolished to date, with none belonging to Malaysian citizens.
“I believe this issue has been exploited by certain groups attempting to undermine police and other agency operations aimed at reducing or eliminating illegal immigrant settlements in Sabah.
"The complainant’s child is a senior police officer,” he added.
According to Jauteh, the land in question belongs to Sabah Parks, and residents have been living there since the 1980s.
“However, we leave it to the state government and Sabah Parks to resolve this issue,” he said.
He also mentioned that only one report has been received so far, and investigations will continue, with possible action against those who have exploited the situation.
