Although the mass evictions in Sabah have been viewed by many as concerning stateless persons, even citizens are thrown out in the state’s “zero squatter” campaign.

It is estimated that people in over 1,300 homes were evicted in the government’s “Operation Squatter Colonies” in Lahad Datu, leaving 3,000 other coastal families in fear.

The evictions started in March after Deputy Chief Minister II Joachim Gunsalam’s announcement to evict about 130,397 people from 33,566 houses in the state by 2025.

So far in Lahad Datu, one inland village - Kampung Pancuran - has been evicted for encroaching on privately owned land.

A source in the district land office confirmed the 41 families evicted last month were citizens.

With no relocation plans offered, the residents have...