KOTA KINABALU: After a year of uncertainty, 212 residents can now call themselves residents of Kampung Teluk Layang Baru following the gazettement of a 12-acre site near Universiti Malaysia Sabah here.
Karambunai community development leader Nerudin Ludah said the news brought relief to the community, as authorities had initially given them short notice to vacate their old settlement in Karambunai about 30 min away.
“The directive raised concerns among villagers. However, after in-depth discussions with relevant agencies, an agreement was reached to extend the villagers’ stay by six months,” he said.
“Now, with the government’s approval of a 12-acre plot through Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, the villagers can finally relocate and build new homes in the area,” he added during a press conference on Monday (Oct 28).
Nerudin explained that authorities are currently conducting boundary assessments, with work scheduled to commence in November.
The Karambunai Gagasan Rakyat division deputy chief noted that only Malaysian citizens with identity cards would be permitted to live in the new settlement.
“For those without identity cards, the matter will be referred to the National Security Council for further action. A recent census confirmed that 155 residents possess identity cards, 42 hold birth certificates, while the remainder lack any official documentation,” he said.
He further highlighted the state government’s commitment to addressing the needs of Karambunai residents, dismissing unfounded criticisms.
“The Sabah government prioritises the welfare of its people and strives to resolve issues impacting village communities,” he affirmed.
Meanwhile, Karambunai Gagasan Rakyat division chief Datuk Arshad Idris expressed his appreciation for the swift action by the state government in resolving the Kampung Teluk Layang settlement issue.
“We question why previous leaders in Karambunai did not step up to address this problem. Fortunately, the new site will not interfere with the daily lives of coastal fishermen, as it is conveniently located near the river,” Arshad noted.
He added that the Kampung Teluk Layang Baru Reserved Settlement Site would be equipped with essential amenities, including water, electricity, and road access.
