The government will relocate water villages specifically in the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) area as part of efforts to boost security.

Esscom director-general Mohammad Mentek said the three districts of Semporna, Lahad Datu and Sandakan had been identified for the pioneer project.

However, the project was still in the planning stage because many factors had to be taken into account before it could be implemented.   

“We will determine whether to totally relocate the villages or retain them but in a more structured manner only for our citizens.

“In this matter, we will also ensure there will no longer be proliferations of houses which will make it difficult for us to guard. Currently, many houses at the water villages are built too closely together and are not arranged properly,” he told a media conference at the Sabah state assembly building in Likas, near Kota Kinabalu today.

Mohammad said the government would find the best way to realise the plan in stages for the good of all in line with the provision in the Preservation of Public Security Regulations 2013.  

“What is important is that there must be discussions with the people to take into account issues including their livelihood, health, public facilities and commercial activities,” he said.

He hoped, if everything went well, the pioneer relocation project in the Esscom area could be carried out this year and expanded to other districts including Tawau, Kunak and Kudat.

- Bernama