All squatter demolitions followed SOPs, says Kota Kinabalu Mayor

KOTA KINABALU: All squatter demolition operations within the city are conducted according to standard operating procedures (SOPs), said Mayor Datuk Seri Dr. Sabin Samitah.

He said they did not demolish homes without following proper procedures or giving notice, and they work closely with security officials during these operations.

"We give a 30-day notice before the demolition date," he said during an event in the city on Thursday (June 27).

The authorities had been criticised for allegedly carrying out demolitions without giving proper notice to squatters in the city and other areas, including Semporna district, recently.

Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Abidin Madingkir, also stated that these operations were conducted due to security concerns.

He said whatever actions the state takes, it was for the safety of its people.

Earlier, when asked about aerial photos of squatter colonies near the Sabah Assembly Building, Sabin said: "no comment."

In previous reports, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said a multi-agency operation had begun to identify illegal settlements and issued 1,388 demolition notices across the state.

A three-phase Ops Koloni Setinggan would start with small colonies in the city and in Semporna, Kudat, and Labuan before addressing larger ones in the state.

Authorities will fence off or put up signs prohibiting trespassing and take action against undocumented individuals after these massive crackdowns, he said.