Latest news with #TawauLandandSurveyDepartment
The Star
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Land gazettement brings hope to Tawau villagers
Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah greets a senior resident during a community gathering in Tawau, as villagers gather to discuss the ongoing land gazettement process. KOTA KINABALU: More than 1,000 residents from four villages in the Kukusan state constituency in Tawau are closer to land security as the process to gazette their 88.54-acre settlement is now underway – a move leaders insist is not a state election gimmick. The four villages – Kampung Sri Menanti, Airport Lama, Sentosa Blok 4, and Kampung Hilltop Tawau – have been waiting for nearly 40 years for their land to be officially recognised. Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah president Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah, who announced the progress, said this was not a political ploy ahead of the Sabah state election but a long-overdue effort to provide security for settlers who have lived in these areas for decades. "Some have accused us of using this as an election gimmick, but these residents have been living here for over 40 years. This is about providing them with the security they deserve," he said when addressing over 500 residents at Kampung Sentosa Blok 4. Liew added that the approval covers 88.54 acres and involves the cooperation of the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and the state Cabinet. "These villages can now look forward to a more stable future with better infrastructure, including multipurpose halls, paved roads, and housing assistance under the Sabah Maju Jaya programme," he said. Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah addresses a large crowd of residents at Kampung Sentosa Blok 4 in Tawau, assuring them that the land gazettement process for their settlement is progressing. Liew also urged residents to expedite their documentation for submission to the Tawau Land and Survey Department to complete the gazettement process. "If you think the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah government has been doing a good job, then support it in the coming state election. But this gazettement is not for my benefit – it's for the people of Kukusan," he said. Residents, many of whom have faced years of uncertainty and eviction notices, have expressed relief at the latest development. Rahmahwati Mahmud, 48, a resident of Kampung Sri Menanti, said the news was a long-awaited relief after decades of uncertainty. "We have faced so much uncertainty, including eviction notices, because our land was set to be developed into a 'Smart City'. Now, we can finally feel secure in our homes," she said. Amirudin Abdul Samat, 71, from Kampung Airport Lama, said the gazettement could have happened sooner if the community had been more united. "Some of us supported the idea of gazettement, while others resisted, causing years of delay. Hopefully, this is the start of a better future for our village," said the former civil servant. Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah holds up an official land approval document during a dialogue session with residents in Tawau, emphasising the government's commitment to resolving longstanding land issues. For Kamisah Dera, 78, who has lived in Kampung Sentosa Blok 4 since the 1970s, the news is a welcome development after decades of uncertainty. "Most of us are retired or working in small-scale farming. This is not just about land – it's about our future and our children's future," she said. Liew also stressed the importance of unity among the residents, regardless of race or religion, to ensure the long-term viability of the community. "This is about securing your home and future. We must work together to solve the problems facing these long-standing settlements," he said.
Borneo Post
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Gazettement of villages in Kukusan not politically driven, says Harapan Rakyat president
Liew showing the official letter of land approval issued by the Land and Survey Office, covering Kampung Sri Menanti, Airport Lama, Sentosa Block 4 and Kampung Hiltop in Tawau. TAWAU (May 15): The approval process for land surveying and the gazettement of four squatter villages in the Kukusan state constituency will be expedited to ensure formal recognition is granted in the near future. President of Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah, Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah, stressed that the move is not a political gimmick ahead of the upcoming Sabah state election, as the villagers have resided in the area for over four decades. 'It now depends on the villagers themselves to accelerate their submission of required documentation to the Tawau Land and Survey Department (JTU),' he said. Liew disclosed that Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor and the State Cabinet have agreed to approve a total of 88.54 acres, covering Kampung Sri Menanti, Airport Lama, Sentosa Block 4 and Kampung Hiltop in Tawau. 'This is the official letter of land approval issued by the Land and Survey Office. Do not insult my intentions. I am here solely to help the people. What we are doing is to ensure that these long-established settlements can remain peacefully without interference,' he told over 500 residents of Kampung Sentosa Block 4 here on Wednesday. He further explained that once the gazettement is finalised, the villages will be eligible for government assistance, including community halls, road access and the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Housing Aid Programme. 'Some individuals have questioned and criticised the legitimacy of this approval, claiming it cannot be achieved in the near term. Do not incite hatred among the people. We are sincere in our efforts to help. Let us work together to ensure swift approval so that we can begin long-term planning for the orderly development of these squatter areas in Kukusan,' he said. Liew added that once gazetted, it would be up to the constituents of Kukusan whether or not to support the current government in the upcoming state election. 'If you feel that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government has served you well, then continue supporting them to ensure continuity. The government has not dissolved yet, and this approval is in the interest of the people, not for me personally, but for the future of Kukusan residents,' he said. He also presented a land registration receipt as proof that the gazettement process is underway through the Tawau Land and Survey Office. 'Even when I was not an elected representative, I have always fought for the people's welfare using my own resources to assist those in need. 'What matters most is that the community remains united, regardless of race or religion. Our goal is to eradicate squatter issues in Kukusan once and for all,' he added.
Daily Express
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Land gazettement not linked to state polls: Liew
Published on: Thursday, May 15, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 15, 2025 Text Size: Liew shows a copy of the approval letter for the gazettement of four villages in the Kukusan constituency, Tawau. TAWAU: The land surveying approval process for the gazettement of four squatter villages in the Kukusan state constituency will be expedited to secure approvals soon. Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah President Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah said the matter was not linked to the upcoming state election, as the villagers have lived there for over 40 years. Advertisement He said approval now depends on residents submitting their documentation to the Tawau Land and Survey Department, which has agreed to approve 88.54 acres covering Kampung Sri Menanti, Airport Lama, Sentosa Blok 4, and Kampung Hiltop. Speaking before over 500 residents of Kampung Sentosa Blok 4, Liew stressed that the move aims to allow villagers to live peacefully and later receive government aid, such as halls, roads, and housing under the SMJ initiative. He added that the final decision rests with the people of Kukusan in the next election, but current efforts are focused solely on addressing their long-standing land and settlement issues. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
