LAHAD DATU: The Ministry of Local Government and Housing is considering proposals to address longstanding issues involving the Pala’u community in Lahad Datu, including the introduction of a more structured system to identify members of the community.
Silam Assemblyman Datuk Dr Mohd Yusof Apdal said the ministry had taken note of proposals he raised in the Sabah Legislative Assembly and had discussed with him possible ways to move them forward.
Yusof said the proposed identification system was intended to provide greater clarity on the presence of the Pala’u community while helping authorities distinguish established members of the community from undocumented migrants who might seek to use the community’s identity.
He stressed that the proposal was not intended to affect the rights of local people, but was aimed first at establishing a clearer understanding of the community’s presence in the area.
The approach would also enable the Government to plan more systematically for the community, including education and other forms of assistance, while taking into consideration the interests of Lahad Datu residents.
Yusof said he had raised the issue in the State Legislative Assembly because it had been a longstanding concern in Lahad Datu and required a more structured response.
“I have raised this issue at the State Legislative Assembly recently because it has become a longstanding issue that has been left unattended.
“The Pala’u community should be approached through an organised framework as part of the Government’s wider responsibility towards the community and the people living in the area.
“They are also ordinary human beings, but as a society, we have a responsibility to have a structured and organised approach,” he said.
Yusof said proper identification could also assist authorities in determining whether individuals encountered during enforcement operations belonged to the established Pala’u community.
Those without the proposed identification could then be assessed to determine whether they were new arrivals or individuals attempting to take advantage of the community’s presence, he said.
He said the approach would provide a stronger basis for the Government to formulate measures that could benefit both the Pala’u community and Lahad Datu residents.
During his previous assembly debate, Yusof had also called for education to form part of a longer-term strategy, including the establishment of transition schools or literacy centres in cooperation with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and Federal agencies.
He said the initial focus could be on basic literacy and numeracy, civic education and community values to provide Pala’u children with a foundation for further learning.
Yusof also proposed skills training in maritime-related fields such as fisheries, aquaculture, boat building and traditional crafts, building on the community’s existing skills and way of life.
He said NGOs could work alongside the Government in providing education and other programmes for the community.
“This can be a joint effort with NGOs that want to provide education to them. A coordinated approach would give the ministry and other agencies a clearer basis for determining the appropriate measures needed in Lahad Datu,” he said.
Yusof added that cooperation among the ministry, other government agencies, NGOs and community representatives would be important in developing practical measures to support the wellbeing of the Pala’u community while safeguarding the interests of local residents.
