8-6-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) Malaysian authorities have defended their decision to evict hundreds of sea nomads from their homes off the coast of Sabah state, citing security concerns and efforts to combat cross-border crime as the primary reasons behind the controversial move. The eviction, which took place earlier this week, targeted more than 500 members of the Bajau Laut community, a mostly stateless sea-faring people who have lived on rickety houseboats or coastal huts built on stilts for generations.
According to local activists, the enforcement officials demolished or burned down the homes of the Bajau Laut in Sabah’s Semporna district, sparking widespread condemnation from human rights groups. These groups have called upon the government to halt the evictions immediately and ensure the safety and protection of the Bajau Laut community.
Christina Liew, Sabah’s minister of tourism, culture, and environment, defended the actions of the authorities, asserting that they were empowered to act against illegal activities such as unauthorized fishing, building structures, and farming within protected areas controlled by Sabah Parks, a state conservation agency.
“The sovereignty of the country’s laws in this issue must be upheld,” Liew stated in a statement released on Friday.
Liew further revealed that evacuation notices were sent to 273 unauthorized settlements last month, with 138 structures being demolished between Tuesday and Thursday in what she described as “hot spots” around the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, a popular tourism destination known for its diving spots.
Citing police sources, Liew alleged that some homeowners had resorted to burning their own houses in an attempt to gain sympathy and garner viral attention on social media platforms.
Liew emphasized that the operation was carried out with security factors in mind, including the need to address cross-border crime. Semporna, located on the northeastern tip of Borneo, borders the southern Philippines, a region that has long been grappling with security challenges.
The Bajau Laut, known for their centuries-long presence in the area, have faced significant challenges in obtaining nationality documents, leading many to be regarded by authorities as migrants despite their deep-rooted ties to the region.
In response to the evictions, the rights group Pusat Komas has urged the state to provide alternative housing solutions and address the documentation issues faced by the Bajau Laut community. This, they argue, would ensure fair treatment and access to essential services for this ethnic minority group.
“Their forced removal raises serious questions about the equitable treatment of ethnic minorities in Malaysia,” the group stated, underscoring the sensitive nature of the issue and the need for a comprehensive and compassionate approach.
