SIBUGAL BESAR: Authorities will carry out the evacuation and demolition of 57 structures built on State Land and Road Reserve in Kampung Gayan, Sibugal Besar, in July 2026, pursuant to Section 166 of the Sabah Land Ordinance, Chapter 68.
The Sabah Land and Survey Department issued the first notice to the parties involved in 2025, followed by a second notice in February 2026. A third notice was subsequently issued in May 2026.
In February 2026, UPPM N.51 Sungai Manila applied for a postponement, which was approved with an extension of more than two months until 18–19 June 2026.
The demolition exercise originally scheduled for June was further postponed to July after Datuk Hazeem directed UPPM Sungai Manila to seek another extension, allowing residents time to prepare and evacuate in an organised manner.
A discussion session organised by UPPM Sungai Manila, involving the Sandakan Native Children’s Court, Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Village Head, JKKK and affected residents, concluded with all parties agreeing peacefully and orderly to the evacuation.
The action aims to enable upgrading works for the drainage system and installation of water supply pipes for public interest, safety and welfare.
The 57 structures identified within the road reserve include 11 impacted houses comprising six Malaysian citizens and the rest non-citizens, two car garages, two burger stalls, one shop, 36 warungs or stalls, two empty warungs, and three storage warehouses consisting of two Malaysian citizens and one non-citizen.
Authorities reminded that any individual failing to comply with the Evacuation Order Notice may face legal action under Section 166 of the Sabah Land Ordinance. If convicted, the offender may be fined up to RM100,000 or imprisoned for up to five years, or both.-pr/BNN
