Kota Kinabalu: Darau assemblyman Azhar Matussin has called for an immediate halt to demolition activities in Kg. Likas following an implementation of Likas River Mitigation Project, until the affected residents’ welfare is fairly taken care of.
He said physical development must not come at the expense of people’s welfare and dignity.
Speaking in the State Legislative Assembly, here, Azhar reminded the House that moral responsibility must take precedence over the technical aspects of any development project.
“We can build the most advanced flood mitigation walls and approve award-winning designs. We can even hold grand ground breaking ceremonies.
“But if we fail to protect even one person who loses their home in the process, then all that grandeur is meaningless in improving the well-being of the people,” Azhar said.
He said true development should be measured not by the scale of infrastructure built, but by the number of lives improved rather than disrupted.
Following this, he urged the State government to take immediate action, beginning with suspending all demolition works until a comprehensive and fair compensation mechanism is finalised and fully implemented.
He also called for the establishment of a Special People’s Consultation Committee involving Kg. Likas residents, local authorities, the Housing Department and elected representatives to ensure the relocation process is handled with fairness and humanity.
“The State Government must also provide a written guarantee that every affected family will be given suitable housing in locations that do not disrupt their livelihoods and social networks before any demolition takes place.
“At the same time, long-time residents should be prioritised for affordable public housing within Kota Kinabalu, rather than being relocated to distant areas that could disconnect them from their jobs, schools and communities,” he said.
Azhar also suggested that an independent social audit be conducted on the entire project to ensure all relocation and demolition processes comply with existing laws and human rights standards.
“The people are not against development, but it must be carried out responsibly and with justice,” he said.
On two-acre land in Kg Likas approved by the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor on Jan 13, this year, Azhar has urged the state government to ensure that six families from Kg Nelayan, Likas are not left out of a land allocation promised as part of a compensation arrangement involving Rimdaya Sdn Bhd.
He expressed appreciation for the State government’s decision to award two acres of land in Kg Likas, describing it as a meaningful gesture from Hajiji that reflects leadership with compassion and understanding of the people’s needs.
However, he raised concerned that the six identified families could be inadvertently overlooked during the implementation process.
“A nomination notification letter listing the six families had been formally submitted on Jan 13, 2026 to the Sabah Lands and Surveys Department, with copies forwarded to the Chief Minister and the Kota Kinabalu Mayor.
“Six families. Six names. Six hopes,” he said, stressing that the request was modest and should be easily accommodated given the Chief Minister’s prior agreement to assist.
While expressing confidence in the state’s administrative machinery and the dedication of civil servants, Azhar cautioned that minor matters could sometimes be missed amid heavy workloads.
“I am not questioning the system or the good intentions of the Chief Minister. I am concerned because I care about these six families and do not want them to be affected due to an oversight in a long process,” he said.
He called on the Chief Minister to issue a directive to the Lands and Surveys Department to review, verify and secure the inclusion of the six nominated families in the land distribution process.
Azhar said such a step would provide certainty and ensure that the promised assistance reaches those who genuinely need it.
