KOTA KINABALU: July 13, 2026 – A total of 39 illegal houses in a squatter settlement behind Likas Square have been demolished in a coordinated operation led by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) on 9 July.
The operation was carried out to combat encroachment on government land, protect river and drainage reserves, reduce flood risks, and ensure that urban development proceeds in an orderly manner in accordance with legal provisions.
Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) said the squatter area had been subject to enforcement action previously. However, monitoring found that the illegal structures had been rebuilt by occupants, who were identified as non-citizens, thereby compromising the function of drainage and river reserves, public safety, and environmental sustainability.
According to DBKK, a total of 39 eviction, demolition, and removal notices were served on the occupants on 25 June, with a compliance period of 14 days granted before the demolition operation was carried out.
Of the total number of houses demolished, 38 were pulled down using heavy machinery operated by a contractor appointed by JPS, while one other was voluntarily demolished by its owner.
The integrated operation was led by JPS as the authority responsible for the drainage and river reserve area. It involved 25 enforcement officers from DBKK’s Demolition and Illegal Structures Division, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Sabah Electricity, and the Assistant Collector of Land Revenue (PPHT).
DBKK stressed that constructing houses or structures without approval on government land, including within river and drainage reserves, constitutes an offence and is subject to legal action under the relevant provisions of the law.
Source: Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK)
