KOTA KINABALU: Gazetting squatter settlements in Sabah might be the most realistic solution to the problem, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
He said such a solution could be done provided the people at the settlements complied with conditions set by the State Government.
"In response to the question raised by Sindumin assemblyman (Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob) regarding the resolution of squatter colonies as floating villages, particularly in the Semporna district, my ministry, through the Housing and Urban Development Board (LPPB), will collaborate with private developers (as partners) to provide organised resettlement for the squatter communities at the water villages.
"Through this collaboration, LPPB plans to provide 500 lots and infrastructure facilities on the newly identified site by the Semporna District Council, located in the Tinagayan area spanning 44.3 acres (17.9ha)," he said during the state assembly sitting.
Joachim, who is also the Local Government and Housing minister, added that his ministry, in collaboration with the Sabah State Civil Service Department and the Sabah Maju Jaya Direction Secretariat has established the Squatter Management Technical Committee which is responsible for formulating the Sabah Squatter Action Plan.
"My ministry also collaborates with the Immigration Department, local authorities, the Land and Survey Department and other agencies in managing squatter colonies in Sabah."