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Kota Kinabalu: Tanjung Aru Assemblyman Datuk Junz Wong called on City Hall (DBKK) to uphold assurances that houses still occupied by owners or their families in Sembulan Tengah will not be demolished.

He said the matter had been discussed in a post-election meeting with DBKK and government representatives.

According to him, DBKK outlined plans to redevelop Sembulan into a new urban township, which residents generally understood and did not oppose.

“Development is part of urban growth and residents are aware of that,” he said after meeting with the landowners at his office, Tuesday.

He said DBKK had informed that only houses identified as unsafe or involved in problematic activities would be subject to demolition, while homes still occupied by their owners would not be demolished.

Junz said concerns had since been raised by homeowners after being told that 26 houses were identified as still occupied, noting that some owners were not living there full-time even though their families continued to reside in the houses.

“These houses are still occupied, structurally safe and there are no issues such as illegal water or electricity connections,” he said, adding that it would be inappropriate to proceed with demolition under these circumstances.

He said his office would write to DBKK to seek clarification and to ensure that occupied homes are excluded from any demolition exercise.

On compensation, Junz said DBKK indicated that landowners would be compensated, but the final decision must be approved by the State Cabinet.

However, he noted that no developer has been appointed, making it difficult for negotiations on compensation to proceed.

“There is a development plan, but without a developer, the compensation process cannot be finalised,” he said.

Junz said landowners were seeking a formal assurance that compensation would be paid once a developer is identified, to provide certainty for those affected.

He also raised concerns over the short notice reportedly given to some residents to vacate their homes.

“With major festivals - Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri - approaching, residents have asked for more time to make arrangements,” he said.

Junz further pointed out that many homeowners were still paying assessment rates and other charges, with some payments extending into 2026.

He said this raised questions about the status of the houses and whether owners should be allowed to remain until the end of the period they have paid for.

Junz said residents were not objecting to redevelopment, but the process must involve clear communication and reasonable timelines.

He said his office would continue to engage with DBKK and convey the concerns of residents in Sembulan Tengah.