Malaysia defends eviction of sea nomads, citing security concerns
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Smoke rises as a house is demolished in Tun Sakaran Marine Park in Sabah, Malaysia.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysian authorities defended their decision to evict hundreds of sea nomads
More than 500 people from the Bajau Laut – a mostly stateless sea-faring community who live on rickety houseboats or in coastal huts built on stilts – saw their homes demolished or burned by enforcement officials this week, local activists said.
The operation in Sabah’s Semporna district was criticised by rights groups, which called on the government to halt the evictions and ensure the safety and protection of the Bajau Laut.
Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Christina Liew said the authorities were empowered to act against illegal activities – such as fishing, building structures and farming without permission – in protected areas controlled by Sabah Parks, a state conservation agency.
“The sovereignty of the country’s laws in this issue must be upheld,” she said in a statement on June 7.
Ms Liew said evacuation notices were sent to 273 unauthorised settlements in May, with 138 structures demolished between June 4 and June 6 in “hot spots” around the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, a tourism attraction known for its diving spots.
Citing police sources, Ms Liew alleged that some home owners had burned their own houses to gain sympathy and go viral on social media.
The operation was carried out taking into account security factors, including cross-border crime, she said.
A house is burnt and demolished in Tun Sakaran Marine Park in Sabah, Malaysia.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Semporna lies on the north-eastern tip of Borneo, bordering the southern Philippines.
The Bajau Laut have been recorded living in the area for centuries, but many are born without nationality documents and are regarded by the authorities as migrants.
Rights group Pusat Komas called on the state to provide alternative homes and address documentation issues to ensure the Bajau Laut receive fair treatment and access to essential services.
“Their forced removal raises serious questions about the equitable treatment of ethnic minorities in Malaysia,” the group said. REUTERS
