Activists detained for 'disrupting' Sabah eviction

Borneo Komrad founder Mukmin Nantang and four others were detained at Pulau Bodgaya, Semporna, earlier today.

According to a source from the NGO, they were held after they allegedly disrupted Sabah Parks’ three-day operation to evict “illegal settlements” within the Tun Sakaran Marine Park in Semporna.

“Mukmin texted us about the detention around 11.30am, saying they were taken to the Sabah Parks office,” the source said.

On Monday, at least eight families lost their homes during the operation.

Acting Semporna district police chief Fauzi Abd Kadir confirmed the detention but clarified that the police were not involved.

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“The purpose of the detention was for documentation and investigation under the Sabah Parks Enactment,” he said.

Malaysiakini has contacted Sabah Parks for a response.

‘Establish a committee’

Meanwhile, Suhakam has suggested forming a committee dedicated to devising a fair and sustainable long-term solution that honours the rights of the communities and addresses the pressing needs of the region and Malaysia as a whole.

READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | The plight of stateless Bajau Laut in Sabah

“We advocate for a dedicated committee comprising community representatives, government officials, and other key stakeholders.

“The committee must be established immediately and we are prepared to participate actively as members,” it said in a statement.

The commission also urgently called for an immediate halt to the eviction operation in Semporna, condemning its inhumane nature.

It highlighted that the operation was carried out without sufficient consultation with the affected communities, leaving them voiceless and vulnerable.

“These ongoing evictions have led to severe consequences for the Bajau Laut community, including displacement from their homes and significant disruption to their livelihoods.

“Such actions, taken without meaningful consultation, not only disregard the voices of those most affected but also violate the fundamental principles of transparency and respect for human rights and the rights of indigenous people,” it added.

Fined RM3,000

After more than five hours of interrogation, the five were released around 7.30pm.

According to a Borneo Komrad source, Mukmin and the other four were detained at Pulau Bodgaya and taken to the Sabah Parks office in Semporna.

“The questioning focused on their entry into the state parks and whether they had the necessary permits.

“Once the interrogation concluded, each of them was fined RM3,000,” the source said.

A document sighted by Malaysiakini confirmed that the fines were issued under Section 48(1)(p) and Section 53(1)(c) the Park Enactment 1984 Amendment 2007.

The document also noted that they must pay the fines within 14 days to avoid further legal action.

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