The squatters in Pujut 5 was very disappointed with the attitude of the authorities that suddenly demolish their homes as early as 3 am on the 19th Mac 2015 when they were still asleep. There are approximately 13 houses were demolished during the operation.
According to one of the residents who lives in the area told us, before demolition occurs, the immigration authorities in cooperation with the General Operations Force (GOF) detain families residing in the house before the house demolition began.
Those arrested were sent to detention centers Immigration Depot in Bekenu. About 80 people were detained did not have personal identification documents, including children and babies. According to residents and families who lived there told us, there are also among the families of those who have identity cards held together in the operation against illegal immigrants (PATI) on a large scale.
Most of the squatters there are from Sabah and many of them work as laborers in the construction of residential areas. They have lived there for almost 20 years and all this while there is no indication that their homes will be demolished or ordered them to move. According to residents interviewed said that previously there were officials from the Department of Lands and Surveys come tell them the areas where they live now will remain as the placement and no orders to evacuate.
According to them again even if the authorities want to demolish their homes at least give them a warning notice to prepare for the move or at least clothing, kitchen items and their appliances are not damaged by demolition. A lot of their household appliances damaged due to their home pole cut using a chainsaw.
After many years they lived there, why now the authorities want to hold them? If any of them illegal immigrants, the authorities must not demolish their homes which have long been settled there who are also have identification cards.
Some of those arrested were natives of Sarawak who did not have identification cards because their parents do not register their birth before with the National Registration Department. They also ever applied for Identification Card at the National Registration Department, but until now there was no answer is received, whether they pass the application or otherwise.
They deeply regret the way the authorities deal with their problems which are considered illegal immigrants, while some of them have had passports and identity cards.
Although there are elected representatives said that the operation against illegal immigrants (PATI) on a large scale is not necessary to be given a notice but most of them arrested were squatters that had long been settled there. The authorities do not have to demolish their homes inhuman manner as in the home there are small children and babies who need a place to stay.
Those that confirmed as PATI should only be detained without having to demolish their homes. After their home demolished, part of their family living in uncertainty such as the population afflicted by natural disasters because there is no place for them to take shelter.
Now they only stay temporarily in the rubble of their home which was demolished in a state of considerable danger if any pillars that fall or collapse at any time. They also complain that their electrical equipment and generator damaged during demolition occurs. There is also living in tents on the contribution of the public who sympathized with their plight.
Until when they have to stay in this situation if the authorities do not take action on the incident of demolition of their homes. What about the fate of small children and babies who needs a place to stay? Are authorities will provide temporary shelter for them or let them live without direction after their houses demolished?
They demanded the authorities to be fair on them, because they are also human beings and not animals that are treated in such a way without compassion, especially on small children and babies who need shelter and some are still in detention at the Immigration Depot.
Although the operation against illegal immigrants (PATI) on a large scale is good for national security, but this does not mean that the squatters without identity cards were also detained as if they are criminals that threaten national security. Most of those detained in the operation are those who have a family and have long been settled in Sarawak.
We urge the authorities to act professionally in dealing with PATI and undocumented squatters who are mostly natives of Sarawak so that they are given the opportunity for them to find a place to stay so they would not neglected offhand and will become a social problem after their homes were demolished.
Cooperation with the authorities is very much appreciated to overcome squatter problem and those who do not have identity cards should be treated fairly without having to act outside humanitarian attitude. Provide a temporary shelter for them so that their lives were not idle.
Yours faithfully,
Jofri Jaraiee
PAS Sarawak Deputy Commissioner III cum PAS Miri Chief
