The residents of the flats, better known as Rumah Pangsa Tanjung Aru, also rallied behind the call by Tanjung Aru assemblyman Junz Wong to camp out at the flats, should they be made to leave, until their demands are granted.
Wong, who is also Warisan vice-president, said the residents only requested two things after being served the notice by the Sabah Housing and Town Development Board (LPPB) last May.
The first, he said, was a dialogue between the tenants and LPPB so that they could express their plight, the consequences of the eviction for the mostly B40 low-income families living there, and the need to find an acceptable solution for both sides.
The second request is for a copy of the report on the structural safety inspection that was carried out on the flats because LPPB are using it as the reason for the forced eviction.
“LPPB has yet to provide the report on the alleged danger to the structural integrity of the flats. We need the proof. Please be professional in doing your job LPPB,” Wong said.
LPPB served an eviction notice to the 315 families, comprising more than 1,000 residents, living in the 11 blocks there last May.
The notice informed them that they needed to find new homes on their own and vacate their units by the end of last year, citing the flats’ structural safety as a concern as the buildings had been in use since 1970.
On Jan 24, the residents took their anger and frustration to the streets when they held a peaceful demonstration at the open car park, where LPPB officers had gathered to observe the eviction process.
LPPB chairman Masiung Banah told the residents the agency was sticking by its decision and enforcing the eviction notice, because the buildings were no longer safe.
In response, Wong accused LPPB of making arbitrary decisions and without consulting the state government.
He said he had been in communication with Sabah local government and housing minister Masidi Manjun, who is the supervising minister for LPPB, and was told by the latter there was no immediate necessity to evict the tenants.
He added that Masidi also told him the redevelopment of the Tanjung Aru flats was still a long way off, with many issues to sort out. Alternative accommodation would also have to be provided to the tenants before redevelopment is allowed to proceed.
“As such, I will be seeking further help from Masidi over the issue.
“I will also engage an independent contractor and seek help from the Malaysian Institute of Architects to carry out an independent structural safety inspection on the flats,” Wong said.
He added that the residents may also take LPPB to court for possible violation of the state housing enactment.
Meanwhile, Dewi Awang, who heads an action bureau formed after the eviction notice was served, told FMT that the residents felt ignored by LPPB.
“Only some 30 out of the 315 families were offered alternative homes at other low-cost flats, far from where they are located now. Of that number, only five accepted the offer.
“So, where are the other families supposed to live then?” she said.