Forty-one families from a squatter colony at a plot of private land along KM2 Bintulu-Miri Road are pleading with the government for alternative housing as an eviction deadline looms.

Representing the 194 individuals affected, lorry driver James Jok said many residents in the area were living below the poverty line and would be rendered homeless unless there is state intervention.

During a press conference yesterday, Jok also made an emotional plea to the land owners Power Domain Sdn Bhd for compassion.

"We're the natives of Sarawak, your fellow brothers and sisters. We have come from the rural areas to make a living, as the wages paid in plantations is too little for us to stay there," he said.

Jok added that residents had sent numerous letters to state and federal government officials to no avail.

Residing there for 10 years

"We therefore appeal to you (reporters) to help us to talk to the authorities concerned to allocate us land lots, otherwise where could we move to, as we have no more money left to rent house or buy lots," said Jok.

The 41 families have been residing the area for the past decade and have been warding off eviction since then.

The next course of action involves filing a complaint with the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam).

Commenting on the matter, Kidurong state assemblyperson Chiew Chin Sing said the authorities should look into the plight of the families there.

"Everyone has a right to adequate housing. There are many states in Malaysia that has provisions stipulating that local authorities must provide alternative or temporary accommodations for victims of evictions," said Chiew.