The unity government spokesman said the humanitarian aspect was also important but, at the same time, the country could not compromise on security as the islands could be misused by certain parties.

“The islands could be misused by parties to endanger the country and also for illegal activities such as smuggling.

“The government will continue to consider the humanitarian and security aspects and take necessary action.

“What we understand is that initial action was taken by the state government and we provided security support.

“Surely there’s no negative impact,” he told reporters after the Putatan constituency Madani community get-together event.

Fahmi expressed regret over the actions of certain parties who burned houses that were demolished. He said this was something that should not have happened but left it to the authorities to investigate and take further action.

Sabah tourism, culture and environment minister Christina Liew said on Friday that the demolition was carried out after 273 illegal houses, built in the waters of the marine park, had been given eviction notices, distributed from May 2 to 4.

She said the demolition was ordered due to security factors at the district level.

This followed a shooting incident in Teluk Darvel, Kunak, and cross-border criminal activities at the illegal settlement.

A video of the demolition and burning of the illegal houses, alleged to house stateless Pala’u residents, had gone viral on social media recently.