KOTA KINABALU: Residents of the Tanjung Aru low-cost flats here now have less than 48 hours to leave their homes following a letter from the Housing and Town Development Authority (LPPB).
The letter issued on Wednesday (Sept 25) states that the residents are asked to vacate the flats "peacefully, amicably, and willingly" by the deadline on Monday (Sept 30).
However, the remaining residents are requesting an extension until the school holidays in March next year to secure proper housing and make necessary arrangements for a smooth relocation.
Andrew Wong, one of the affected residents, said they are seeking leniency and plan to meet with Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya to request more time.
Wong - who has lived in the flats for 26 years - said they are also hoping to be allocated units in the new Kionsom low-cost housing about 25km from the city.
The complex is believed to have around 1,000 units available at a rent of RM220, which is a RM50 increase from the RM170 they currently pay.
Meanwhile, since the notice was served, the area surrounding the flats has been neglected, with overgrown grass taking over.
The Tanjung Aru low-cost flats are situated on prime land earmarked for the Tanjung Aru Eco Development project, which includes resort hotels, residential areas, marinas, entertainment venues, beach clubs, and dining areas.
In March last year, LPPB chairman Datuk Masiung Banah stated that a consultant appointed after an agreement between the residents and LPPB had declared the buildings unsafe, recommending they be demolished.
Masiung noted that while alternative housing has been offered to some tenants, those refusing to leave should cooperate as ample time has been provided to find new homes.
Eviction notices were first issued in May 2021, giving residents until the end of that year to relocate due to safety concerns surrounding the 50-year-old buildings.
An independent consultant was engaged to assess all 11 blocks of the Tanjung Aru flats in 2022.
Masiung added that developers have been eyeing the land for years, though the current state government has yet to decide on the nature of the future development.
