SANDAKAN – The demolition of illegal structures occupied by the Bajau Laut community should have been done in a more humane way, said Semporna MP Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal.
He added that the demolition that took place in his constituency could be conducted as per the law, and there was no need to burn down the houses.
However, the Warisan president said he does not have a suggestion as to how the authorities should go about it, as he is not part of the state government.
“Authorities can take action for security reasons but burning down the houses is not the way. They can demolish them but don’t burn,” he told reporters at the Warisan Kaamatan festival celebration in Buhavan Square, Donggongon, Penampang, today.
When asked if he had any ideas for resolving the Bajau Laut stateless community in his constituency, he said it was up to the Sabah government.
“It is up to the state government, they are the ones in power, not me. The ones who demolished the houses were the state government, not me.
“It’s okay, leave it to them. It has nothing to do with me. (What is important) is that I take good care of the rakyat in my constituency.”
Recently, a Facebook user, Tzu Wong, posted videos showing Bajau Laut houses being torn down and burned during an enforcement operation targeting illegal structures in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park on June 4.
These videos sparked public criticism among the public, with many saying it was inhumane to the Bajau Laut community.
Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew has claimed that the viral videos during the eviction of the Bajau Laut were intended to garner public sympathy.
She confirmed that 138 illegal houses were demolished between June 4 and 6. – June 9, 2024