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KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian authorities have defended a decision this week to expel hundreds of sea nomads off the coast of Sabah state, saying the move was aimed at boosting security and combating cross-border crime.
More than 500 residents from the Bajau ethnic group, most of whom Stateless seafaring community Local activists said the homes of residents living on ramshackle houseboats or elevated wooden huts on the seashore were demolished or burned by law enforcement officers this week.
Human rights groups have criticised the evictions in Sabah’s Semporna district and called on the government to halt the evictions and ensure the safety and protection of the Bajau people.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Christina Liew said authorities have the power to crack down on illegal activities such as fishing without permission, building structures and farming in protected areas controlled by state conservation agency Sabah Parks.
“The sovereignty of national laws must be upheld in this matter,” she said in a statement on Friday (June 7).
Mr Liu said evacuation notices were issued to 273 unauthorised settlements last month, and 138 structures in “hotspots” around Tun Sakaran Marine Park, a tourist attraction known for its diving spots, were demolished between Tuesday and Thursday.
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