KINABATANGAN: Villagers affected by the Pan Borneo Highway project here are concerned that the compensation offered is too low or not offered at all.
The stretch in Kinabatangan involves Work Packages (WP) 24 to 26, which are currently under construction.
Kinabatangan MP Datuk Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar said concerns mainly revolve around the lack of clarity surrounding the valuation process.
"They do not fully understand how compensation is calculated, while some feel the amount offered does not reflect their losses," he said during a Kaamatan celebration here on Sunday (May 10).
This comes a day after a dialogue on the project and compensation matters was held between affected villagers, Naim, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister cum Sukau assemblyman Datuk Jafry Ariffin and Lamag assemblyman Mohd Ismail Ayob.
Naim said villagers understood the need for development albeit with reservations.
"As leaders, we will ensure no villagers are oppressed… to safeguard the interests of the people in Kinabatangan," he said.
He added that Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor had agreed to provide RM20,000 in compensation and goodwill aid for affected Sabah natives without land grants whose homes would be demolished.
