KUNAK: Owners of land, houses and other premises, including suraus, mosques and vehicle workshops, affected by the Pan Borneo Highway Sabah project, particularly Work Package 17 (WP17), should be paid appropriate compensation promptly.
Assistant Minister of Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy and Kunak Assemblyman Datuk Seri Anil Sandhu said the matter should be expedited to ensure the rights and welfare of residents affected by land acquisition for the project were protected.
He said some residents and premises owners had complained about not receiving compensation despite being issued notices to vacate their premises by the contractor.
“There are land and house owners directly affected by the project alignment who require serious attention from the authorities, particularly regarding the assessment and payment of compensation.
If necessary, expedite the payments to the affected residents,” he told reporters after attending a meeting with the District Officer, Land and Survey Department (JTU), Public Works Department (JKR), Pan Borneo WP17 consultants and government agencies at the Kunak District Office recently.
Anil said the Pan Borneo Highway was important to the community and development of the district, but the rights of affected landowners also needed due attention.
“An amicable and orderly resolution of compensation issues will not only ensure the rights of landowners are protected, but also help expedite and facilitate the construction of the highway,” he added.
He stressed that appropriate compensation would enable affected owners, families and individuals to find alternatives to continue their economic activities elsewhere, as well as secure new homes if their houses were affected by the project alignment.
Several premises and homes along the Kunak-Tawau route, including from Cenderawasih through Kampung Kadazan to Simpang Empat, are among those affected by the implementation of Pan Borneo Highway Work Package 17 (WP17).