Interagency action ordered to resolve case of Petra Jaya family living in squalor following eviction

KUCHING (Dec 17): An inter-agency investigation and coordinated action has been ordered to resolve the case of a family living in squalor in Kampung Sungai Maong, following their eviction from Kampung Gita Laut.

Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said priority must be given to securing a permanent place of residence for the family.

“We are investigating the current case and once we have the full report, we will take appropriate action,” she told reporters after chairing the second Sarawak Social Development Council (MPS) meeting on Tuesday.

She said the case bore similarities to a previous one in Tupong, where a family was found living far from basic amenities and in an environment deemed unsafe and unhygienic.

The affected family has since been relocated to Rampangi.

Fatimah said as with the Tupong case, a joint operation involving local authorities, the village security and development committee, and mosque representatives will hold a clean-up on Saturday of the affected area and its surroundings to ensure public safety and hygiene.

“The most important thing is a place to live. They cannot continue living there,” she said, noting that temporary measures alone would not address the family’s long-term needs.

Among the options being considered are affordable rental housing, temporary placement at a transit centre, or accommodation at community social support facilities.

Fatimah said a transit unit is available should the family need immediate temporary shelter, allowing the children to resume schooling.

She pointed out community social support centres such as Anjung Singgah could provide short-term relief of up to 14 days.

“These are all temporary solutions. What we are looking for is a permanent one,” she stressed.

She cautioned against relying solely on monthly financial aid from the Welfare Department (JKM), saying such assistance does not resolve the fundamental problem.

“What we need is not only monthly assistance. We need a house, a place to live,” she said.

The case came to light following a social media post believed to be by the head of a school, who highlighted the plight of several students.

In her post, the educator claimed the family had been evicted from Kampung Gita Laut by the landowner and was currently sheltering on land belonging to a relative in Kampung Sungai Maong.

She described the living conditions as extremely poor, citing a leaking roof, incomplete walls, deteriorating plywood floor, and no electricity or water supply.

The post prompted public concern and calls for assistance, leading to intervention by the relevant authorities.