KOTA KINABALU: Evictions of villagers should take into account the welfare of the people affected, says Parti Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
The former chief minister said ongoing operations in the state are making life inconvenient for Malaysians who have been living there for decades.
He said even if there is a need to evict people, and notice of evictions have been given, alternative homes must be addressed.
“They are Malaysians and many have families with small children. So if they are forced to move out of their family homes which they have been living in for years, where do they go?” Shafie said.
He felt that it is imperative the government provide some kind of win-win solution when evictions need to take place, taking into account the welfare of those affected.
Other than conducting proper planning beforehand to facilitate amicable solutions, he suggested alternative homes with affordable rental or funding schemes to help absorb the cost involved in renting a house.
Among the planned evictions are those in Tanjung Aru, Sepanggar and some east coast water villages built on state land.
Local authorities have previously said that ample time had been given, with notice of evictions issued prior to any eviction or demolition of squatter homes which were carried out for safety concerns and redevelopment purposes.
