TAWAU: Landowners planning to sell land as lot lidi plots have been urged to consult the relevant authorities first to ensure new settlements do not affect existing infrastructure and residents’ wellbeing.
Kalabakan MP Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy said landowners should comply with local authority requirements and seek official advice before proceeding, as selling lot lidi plots without proper consultation could lead to unintended consequences.
“We hope landowners can fulfil the conditions or criteria set by the local authorities (PBT) if they wish to sell land as lot lidi,” he told the Daily Express in an exclusive interview at the Closed Merdeka Archery Programme at Kampung Pasir Putih here.
He also urged prospective buyers to verify that sellers were able and willing to comply with PBT requirements to avoid problems later.
Suryady said he was concerned about proposed lot lidi development near SK Pasir Putih, Kampung Blok B Pasir Putih and Kampung Budaya Pasir Putih, particularly its potential impact on traffic, water and electricity supply, rubbish collection and flooding.
“Landowners have informed us of their intention to sell the land as lot lidi, which could increase the population in the area, but we hope they will first discuss the matter with the PBT, relevant agencies and departments, including local leaders.
“We have always taken seriously traffic congestion, water and electricity disruptions, rubbish management and flooding in Pasir Putih, while we are still awaiting the construction of a bridge as an alternative route,” he said.
He said early consultation was crucial to ensure proper planning, safeguard residents’ wellbeing and minimise environmental impact.
Suryady said he was prepared to meet the land sellers to verify the situation and stressed that the proposed development should not worsen existing problems.
On traffic congestion, he said the proposed bridge linking Pasir Putih and Tanjung Batu Laut was a critical project and should be expedited.
“As an MP, I am working to ensure this project can at least be included in the 13th Malaysia Plan, and the latest review found that it was at the design stage, but we hope it can be expedited due to the urgent need.
“Kampung Budaya Pasir Putih, also known as Kampung Baru Putih, alone has more than 800 houses with over 3,000 residents, not including nearby areas, so imagine what will happen when this new settlement is developed,” he said.
He added that based on his office’s observations, the area proposed for sale as lot lidi was large and could potentially worsen congestion, while prolonged traffic problems could also affect residents’ mental wellbeing as they await a long-term solution.