A DIALOGUE session among elected representatives, government officials, grassroots leaders and residents to iron out the squatter issue in Kampung Sungai Midin in Kuching almost turned sour when emotions ran high.

It was the fourth dialogue in the the village and some villagers who wore PKR T-shirts lost their cool when they heard comments from Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Kampung Sungai Midin sub-branch chief Abang Asfa Abang Julaihi. They were unhappy with Asfa for raising his voice and pointing fingers at them.

Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Fadillah Yusof, who was present, told the villagers to calm down and listen to his explaination.

Some policemen and Rela personnel had to grab the villagers and escorted them away to let them cool off.

At the end of the dialogue, the villagers were seen apologising for their unruly behaviour and shook hands with Asfa, Fadillah, Samariang assemblywoman Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali and government officials.

Kampung Sungai Midin is a squatter area with 180 households of about 700 people who are more inclined to the opposition party, PKR.

The land belongs to the state government and was formerly a mangrove reserve. The people from Kuching and rural areas moved into the area in early 1980s.

Speaking to reporters later, Fadillah who is Petra Jaya MP said the residents wanted the government to declare the area as a village so that they could enjoy basic amenities like electricity and water supply. “However, we can’t just do that because we have to consider the geography of the area and overall development,” he said.

He said some houses would be “flood trap” areas after a flood mitigation project nearby was completed and therefore, it was best for residents to move out.

The people were given a choice to apply for the government’s subsidised housing scheme, Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) but some argued that they could not afford to pay the monthly installment of RM150, he said.

“So, we’re going set up a task force to carry out a thorough survey on those who opt for the RMR and those who want to stay put,” he said.

Fadillah said the people wanted electricity supply from Syarikat Sesco (Sesco) but the utility company could not provide electricity supply to squatters.“They are now depending on two generators for electricity between 6pm to midnight,” he said.

He said some residents failed to contribute RM65 monthly to run the generators and because of that, those who had paid were unhappy.

Fadillah said: “I really hope that residents will come to a concensus so that we can all move forward from here. The government could have decided to clean up this place anytime, even tomorrow but we’re not doing that because this will have adverse impact on the people. Instead we hold talks with them to explain things to them. So, cooperate with us.”