KOTA KINABALU: The Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) has refuted allegations of oppression and land grabbing over its application involving land in Kampung Minintod, Inanam here, describing the claims as inaccurate and unfounded.
In a statement on Wednesday, KDCA secretary-general Datuk Suman Yasambun said the association took note of a peaceful gathering held on Tuesday (Feb 17) which questioned KDCA’s land application in Kampung Minintod and surrounding areas, including Kampung Bantayan, Sukang and Mabpai.
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He stressed that the allegation of “oppression” or “customary land seizure” did not reflect the actual status of the matter.
Suman said the land in question remains gazetted as a Sabah Veterinary Reserve for departmental use and is not an Indigenous Village Reserve as portrayed by certain parties.
He explained that on March 12, 1988, through the Native Reserve Trustee Resolution P.9114, KDCA was permitted to occupy and use a 30-acre portion of the area, subject to official survey.
The resolution was signed by the village heads involved at the time.
On May 14, 1994, the Koisaan Board of Trustees meeting at Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang approved acceptance of the 30-acre land offer to KDCA, with the resolution signed by KDCA leaders and witnessed by elected representatives and local community leaders.
Suman added that in 1988 an agreement was signed by all community leaders in Inanam supporting a proposal for the 30-acre area to be referred to the State Government for consideration and approval to KDCA.
Following that understanding, KDCA submitted a formal application to the State Government, including seeking the consideration of the Chief Minister, and provided full justification for the request.
He said the State Government had responded positively to the application, subject to comments from the Sabah Veterinary Services Department, which has yet to issue its official feedback.
“Status of the land remains a Veterinary Reserve and not a Village Reserve, and the application process has gone through official channels since 1988, including the Chief Minister’s consent subject to the Veterinary Department’s comments, and we are now awaiting the department’s response for further action by the Lands Department,” he said.
Suman urged those with concerns not to resort to demonstrations but to meet him to review the official documents, adding that KDCA would call the four village heads concerned to a meeting on Feb 20 to provide clarification based on official records and to avoid further misunderstanding.
