Sabah State Security Committee to discuss displaced Pala’u people’s future

KOTA KINABALU: The forthcoming State Security Committee meeting will discuss issues regarding the displaced nomadic Bajau Laut (Pala’u) people, including their possible relocation, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

“We sympathise with them, but the structures they have built are within the Marine Park.

“The security forces have raised their concerns and have advised that these are security-sensitive.

“We will discuss the best way forward, including relocation of the Pala’u people,” said the Chief Minister, who is also the State Security Committee chairman, during his working visit to the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry at Wisma Tun Fuad Stephens, here, on Thursday (June 13).

Deputy chief ministers Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, cabinet ministers, assistant ministers and heads of various departments and agencies under the Tourism Ministry were also present.

Hundreds of coastal villagers, including the stateless Pala’u community, lost their homes in the demolition exercise carried out for two days, beginning June 4.

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) condemned the act and called for state authorities to take a more humane approach to solving such issues.

Meanwhile, Hajiji said he would inform the Tourism, Art and Culture Ministry that Sabah would proceed with the Sabah My Second Home (SM2H) programme.

“The state Cabinet has approved the programme for implementation, so we will proceed,” he said.

Hajiji also said that a new State Museum would be built in the state capital following the endorsement of the State Cabinet.

He said State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong has been tasked with chairing the committee to find a suitable site and determine the details.

Hajiji also welcomed the Ministry’s plan to build the Kinarut Cultural Centre, which would showcase Sabah’s more than 30 diverse cultures and traditions.