KOTA KINABALU: Following weeks of tension after being told to make way for an urban renewal scheme, residents of Kampung Sembulan Tengah here have reached a compromise with the authorities.
While standing firm on demands for compensation or alternative housing before moving out, they have agreed to let Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) proceed with the demolition of illegal structures, including squatter houses, unauthorised extensions and shops.
The two parties met formally on Tuesday (Oct 8), with other state agencies attending, and arrived at an understanding.
ALSO READ: Sembulan Tengah residents urge Sabah Chief Minister to halt eviction
Residents’ association chairman Osman Omar Khan told the media after the meeting that they welcomed development “but as landowners, we deserve to be treated fairly. It should be a win-win situation for both parties.”
He added that he trusted Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and city mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah to make the right decision for the community.
“Last year, the Chief Minister assured us that our needs were a priority, and we would be compensated with housing before moving,” he said.
When met after the meeting, Sabin said the Sept 19 eviction notice would be suspended and the residents’ demands presented to the state Cabinet for consideration.
“They include better compensation and specific mechanisms that address current leases as well as expired ones,” he added.
Sixty-four lots in the village have active leaseholders while 104 others have expired leases.
“The holders of active leases will be compensated, while those with expired leases will receive a token sum to be determined by the state government,” Sabin said.
The mayor also said the residents had agreed to the demolition of illegal structures identified by DBKK, including unauthorised shops and encroaching extensions.
He added that tenancy issues in the village would be looked into with the cooperation of other agencies, as it is believed that some homes there had been rented out illegally.
ALSO READ: Kg Sembulan Tengah residents wary despite relaxation of eviction notice
According to him, some property owners said they no longer lived in the area and were unaware their homes had been rented out.
Two weeks ago, DBKK and the community engaged in a tense dialogue following the issuance of the eviction notice, which gave the villagers two weeks to move out.
This led to Tuesday’s meeting that also involved other agencies including the police, the Land and Survey Department, the Attorney General’s Chambers, and politicians.
A total of 25.89ha (64 acres) of land have been earmarked for the Sembulan Urban Renewal Scheme approved by the state government in May.
In June, the Sabah Cabinet approved a revised version of the urban renewal scheme.
Hajiji had said earlier that landowners would be permitted to remain after the development and receive compensation.
