Bringing it down: The enforcement team demolishing illegal structures at Kg Muhibbah, Sembulan in KK.

KOTA KINABALU: More than 40 illegal structures in the city’s eyesore village in Sembulan have been demolished by the authorities.

Kota Kinabalu mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai said the operation to demolish the illegal structures came after numerous complaints from Kg Muhibbah residents that squatters were mushrooming in the area.

“They also told us that there was an increase of unknown people at their village,” he told reporters during the operation yesterday morning that involved the Immigration, police and other agencies.

He said the families from the 42 affected houses were issued with memos and reminders more than a month ago to move out from the area but many did not adhere to the order.

“We have no choice because this is not their land and they have no right to build houses illegally,” Yeo added.

City police chief Asst Comm M. Chandra said prior to the demolition, police conducted an operation against illegal immigrants at the village and arrested 135 people.

Immigration officials are in charge of documentation and so far in the operation, no unwanted incidents have been recorded, he said.

Apart from the 42 illegal structures, several other houses were also marked for future demolition.