Landowners call for formal discussions with DBKK following Kampung Sembulan demolition

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 26): More than 100 landowners from Kampung Sembulan have agreed to seek formal discussions with Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) on compensation and future development plans, following recent demolition works in the area.

Putatan Umno chief Jeffery Noh said the meeting, which involved landowners with both expired and valid land titles, was held to reach a common position on the next steps after DBKK began demolishing several houses in the area.

He said residents were not opposed to development in Kampung Sembulan, which is regarded as a commercially valuable area, but stressed that engagement and a win-win approach were necessary before any redevelopment proceeds.

“Residents accept that DBKK has its reasons for the demolition, especially on safety and social issues.

“However, there are still matters that need to be addressed first so this can be resolved harmoniously,” Jeffery said at a meeting at the Sembulan multipurpose hall here yesterday.

He added that original occupants whose land titles had expired should be given time to prepare for relocation, and that compensation should be considered based on proper valuation, especially for residents who have lived in the area for a long period.

Meanwhile, Kampung Sembulan Residents and Welfare Association chairman Osman Omar Khan said the gathering aimed to formalise landowners’ demands based on assurances given during a meeting with the Kota Kinabalu mayor on Dec 23 last year.

He said the mayor had agreed that demolitions were intended solely for safety and cleaning purposes, and that land occupied by original owners should not be disturbed without prior consultation on compensation and development plans.

“We were told that after the demolition for safety reasons, landowners must be called in first to discuss compensation and any proposed development. No work should take place before that,” he said.

Osman also thanked Jeffery for covering the legal costs to enable landowners to obtain proper legal representation.

“We appreciate Jeffery’s help in bearing the cost of lawyers so that this issue can be handled through the correct legal process,” he added.

Osman said the affected area largely consists of town lease land, involving about 64 lots with valid lease titles and approximately 106 lots with expired titles.

He added that landowners would submit a joint letter to DBKK seeking written assurance that no further activities, including earthworks or redevelopment, would be carried out until discussions with all affected owners are held.