More than 3,000 families, predominantly Bajau Laut in Lahad Datu, have been living in fear of homelessness following the demolition of their homes, labelled as “squatter colonies” across Sabah, over the past two months.

Fearing the state government’s ambitious “Operation Squatter Colony” - which has already demolished more than 1,300 houses - will eventually catch up to their water villages, many are packed and ready to leave but have nowhere to go.