Sarawak state govt has taken action to resolve squatter problem Lee

MIRI: The state government yesterday dismissed claims by the opposition that Miri City has the highest number of squatters in Sarawak.

State Tourism, Arts and Culture Assistant Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin said the number of squatters in Miri City was estimated to be around 1,000 and not 4,000 as claimed.

We have either relocated them or gazetted the squatter sites so that they can stay on the land legally, he told a press conference here.

Lee who is Senadin assemblyman and Miri parliamentary seat election operation director mentioned Tudan as one of the relocation areas.

We are on the right track in solving the squatters problem in Miri City, he said, adding the process was ongoing.

PKR’s Dr Michael Teo Yu Keng who is defending the Miri parliamentary seat had highlighted the squatter issue in his campaign, putting the figure at 4,000 squatters, purportedly the highest in the state.

He further claimed that other areas besides Miri City, such as Kuching City and Sibu faced similar although less serious problems.

Meanwhile, Barisan Nasional candidate for the Miri seat, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew said if elected, his priority was to push for more affordable home projects.

He said the demand for affordable homes was high in Miri City because of its rapid expansion and ample employment opportunities.

The 14th general election will see 31 parliamentary seats being contested in Sarawak. Bernama

Source: Sarawak Government