LAHAD DATU: Silam Assemblyman Datuk Dr Mohd Yusof Apdal urged the Sabah Government to expedite ex gratia payments to residents affected by the Pan Borneo Highway project.
Yusof, who is also Lahad Datu MP and Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, said he had received numerous complaints from residents living within the road reserve in the Silam constituency.
He said some residents received notices on Aug 13 to vacate and demolish their homes.
“I was deeply touched after receiving so many complaints from residents affected by the Pan Borneo project in the Silam constituency, particularly those living within the road reserve,” he said in a statement posted on his Facebook account.
Yusof said development was important, but the welfare of residents affected by the project must also be given due attention. He said the residents were not against development, but hoped to be treated fairly.
“I urge the State Government to expedite ex gratia payments to all affected residents. Do not let them lose their homes without proper assistance, as these are the people who entrusted you as the Government,” he said.
Yusof pledged to continue raising the matter until ex gratia payments were made to all eligible residents.
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