Kota Kinabalu: Claims regarding the existence of “Kg Asaon” and the actions of a group claiming to represent the Voice of UMS Students over a government land issue in Matunggong have only worsened the situation, as the area was never officially gazetted as a village.
Parti Bersatu Sabah Matunggong Youth Deputy Chief Alexyus Matius said enforcement action against huts allegedly built illegally in the area was to ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing government land.
“As a native of Matunggong, I feel responsible for clarifying this matter based on facts. This is about ensuring the public receives accurate information and is not influenced by misleading narratives,” he said in a statement.
Alexyus said the area had long been known as government land gazetted for future development purposes in Matunggong and not a legally recognised village settlement.
He said residents of nearby villages such as Kg Tuid, Kg Hobut and Kg Sumangkap understood the history and actual status of the land, which they knew belonged to the Government and not privately owned native customary rights (NCR) land as alleged by certain parties.
According to him, the issue would not have escalated if there had been no interference from outsiders who did not understand the background and actual facts surrounding the area.
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He noted the involvement of individuals said to be students from UMS.
On attempts to link Matunggong Assemblywoman Julita Majungki to the issue, Alexyus said the elected representative would naturally understand the history, status and actual position of the land concerned.
“As the area leader, she would certainly be more knowledgeable regarding development planning and land administration processes in Matunggong compared to outsiders,” he said.
