KOTA MARUDU: A total of 160 squatter houses built on state government land reserved for the Sabah Forestry Development Authority (SAFODA) and a forest reserve in Kampung Agas Tiga Tarok, Pitas, were demolished yesterday.
The land in Kampung Agas Tiga Tarok, Pitas, abandoned by illegal immigrants and locals, was previously used for silica sand activities.
District Police Chief Superintendent Zairolnizal Ishak said the demolition of the structures was crucial to prevent the land from becoming settlement area for illegal immigrants.
He said there were also concerns that it might become a settlement for external elements that could threaten national security.
"This operation was conducted in collaboration with 12 departments and agencies, including the Marine Police Force (PPM), Immigration Department (JIM), Department of Lands and Surveys (JTU), and the Forestry Department.
"The operation was also joined by the Pitas District Council, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), SAFODA, and several other related agencies," he said in a media statement released today.
Zairolnizal said the demolition was carried out under Section 173(1)(h) of the Sabah Land Ordinance based on a letter of authority issued by the Director of JTU Sabah dated May 15, 2024.
He said the operation, which lasted more than seven hours, proceeded smoothly without any unexpected incidents.
"The demolition was also carried out after two notices were issued on May 8 and June 28, involving 13 notices for forest reserve and 147 notices for SAFODA reserve.
"No arrests were made, but seizures included a Demak motorcycle and a generator set," he said.