“The state Cabinet has approved the programme for implementation, so we will proceed,” he said in a statement released today, adding that he will inform the tourism, arts and culture ministry.

Meanwhile, he said the demolition of Bajau Laut homes at the Tun Sakaran Marine Park off Semporna will be brought up at the forthcoming state security committee meeting.

“We are very concerned about this matter. It is not that we don’t sympathise (with the Bajau Laut). We do because they are also humans but the areas where they have built the structures are within the marine park.

“The security forces have raised their concerns that these are security-sensitive areas which could be used as transit points for cross-border crimes.

“We will discuss the best way forward, including relocation,” Hajiji, who is also chairman of the state security committee, said today.

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

She said the demolition was ordered because of security factors at the district level. The operation was later denounced by human rights groups.