Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah greets a senior resident during a community gathering in Tawau, as villagers gather to discuss the ongoing land gazettement process.
KOTA KINABALU: More than 1,000 residents from four villages in the Kukusan state constituency in Tawau are closer to land security as the process to gazette their 88.54-acre settlement is now underway – a move leaders insist is not a state election gimmick.
The four villages – Kampung Sri Menanti, Airport Lama, Sentosa Blok 4, and Kampung Hilltop Tawau – have been waiting for nearly 40 years for their land to be officially recognised.
Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah president Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah, who announced the progress, said this was not a political ploy ahead of the Sabah state election but a long-overdue effort to provide security for settlers who have lived in these areas for decades.
"Some have accused us of using this as an election gimmick, but these residents have been living here for over 40 years. This is about providing them with the security they deserve," he said when addressing over 500 residents at Kampung Sentosa Blok 4.
Liew added that the approval covers 88.54 acres and involves the cooperation of the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and the state Cabinet.
"These villages can now look forward to a more stable future with better infrastructure, including multipurpose halls, paved roads, and housing assistance under the Sabah Maju Jaya programme," he said.
Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah addresses a large crowd of residents at Kampung Sentosa Blok 4 in Tawau, assuring them that the land gazettement process for their settlement is progressing.
Liew also urged residents to expedite their documentation for submission to the Tawau Land and Survey Department to complete the gazettement process.
"If you think the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah government has been doing a good job, then support it in the coming state election. But this gazettement is not for my benefit – it’s for the people of Kukusan," he said.
Residents, many of whom have faced years of uncertainty and eviction notices, have expressed relief at the latest development.
Rahmahwati Mahmud, 48, a resident of Kampung Sri Menanti, said the news was a long-awaited relief after decades of uncertainty.
"We have faced so much uncertainty, including eviction notices, because our land was set to be developed into a 'Smart City'. Now, we can finally feel secure in our homes," she said.
Amirudin Abdul Samat, 71, from Kampung Airport Lama, said the gazettement could have happened sooner if the community had been more united.
"Some of us supported the idea of gazettement, while others resisted, causing years of delay. Hopefully, this is the start of a better future for our village," said the former civil servant.
Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah holds up an official land approval document during a dialogue session with residents in Tawau, emphasising the government's commitment to resolving longstanding land issues.
For Kamisah Dera, 78, who has lived in Kampung Sentosa Blok 4 since the 1970s, the news is a welcome development after decades of uncertainty.
"Most of us are retired or working in small-scale farming. This is not just about land – it’s about our future and our children’s future," she said.
Liew also stressed the importance of unity among the residents, regardless of race or religion, to ensure the long-term viability of the community.
"This is about securing your home and future. We must work together to solve the problems facing these long-standing settlements," he said.
