Local authorities in Labuan have carried out a comprehensive demolition exercise to remove illegal structures outside the Kg Muslim Filipino refugee settlement. The operation, led by Labuan’s Land and Mines Department, aimed to address concerns regarding safety, hygiene, power theft, and the legality of these structures. Abdul Basit Abdul Latif, the director of Labuan Land and Mines, stated that 34 illegal premises, housing approximately 300 individuals, were demolished with the assistance of the police and Labuan Corporation (LC).
“Local government officials collaborated with law enforcement agencies and residents in the settlement scheme to carefully plan and execute the demolition exercise,” Abdul Basit explained. He further emphasized that the operation was conducted with sensitivity towards the residents’ plight, ensuring their rights and dignity were upheld throughout the process.
According to Abdul Basit, the illegal structures had encroached upon government land, leading to their demolition. “We issued a notice to vacate the area in December 2022, but it appears they ignored the notice…this disregard prompted us to proceed with today’s demolition,” he said. He stated that the demolition exercise serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between addressing humanitarian concerns and upholding legal and safety standards.
Abdul Basit also mentioned the upcoming phase of the demolition exercise, which will take place in Kg Saguking Gersik. In this area owned by Majlis Ugama Islam Sabah (MUIS), structures have been illegally erected. Mohammed Hafiez Mohammed Daud, the director of Labuan National Security Council (NSC), explained that the temporary refugee settlement in Kg Muslim has served as a home for individuals and families who have fled conflict and hardship in neighboring regions.
However, over time, several makeshift structures have been erected without proper authorization from local authorities. Daud highlighted that these structures not only pose potential risks to the inhabitants but also present challenges to infrastructure planning and community well-being. The operation was carried out as part of efforts to address these issues.
It is essential to strike a balance between humanitarian concerns and upholding legal and safety standards, as demonstrated by the demolition exercise in Labuan. Local authorities will continue their efforts to remove illegally constructed structures and ensure the well-being and safety of the community.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
