Urban squatters and issues in resettlement : a study of an urban squatter settlement & its resettlement in Kuching, Sarawak

Yong, Anthony (2005) Urban squatters and issues in resettlement : a study of an urban squatter settlement & its resettlement in Kuching, Sarawak. Masters thesis, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, (UNIMAS).

PDF (Please get the password by email to repository@unimas.my , or call ext: 3914 / 3942 / 3933) Anthony Yong.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (19MB)

Abstract

Addressing squatter and resettlement issues is an important national development agenda as evidenced by the emphasis given in the past Malaysia Plans since independence. This is especially so since the last decade where increasing emphasis has been given with the call for increased participation from the private sector in providing affordable housing as a means to alleviate this problem. At present, the private sector is expected to contribute to this housing need. Under the Planning Guidelines introduced under State Planning Authority Circular No. 2/99 dated 23 March, 1999 and Lands & Survey Department Circular No 3/96 dated 2 October 1996, developers in Sarawak are required to allocate a certain percentage of their development for low cost houses if the land under development is 10 acres or more. The percentage varies between 15% to 30% depending on the acreage. This research paper attempted to analyse the squatters on dual fronts - micro and macro level. The paper aims to understand the various definitions and perceptions towards squatters at the international and national level, the cause of squatters and the general problems associated with squatter settlements. It also looks at the importance of resettlement as a solution and attempts to identify and deal with the issue and problems associated with resettlement. This research has aptly chosen Tabuan Lian as the case study as it is the biggest and most established squatter in South East Kuching, a heavily built up area in Sarawak and is also currently undergoing resettlement. The high probability of success with the new resettlement scheme also makes it a good candidate for emulation for future cases. The key information the research seeks is on the development, types, forms and characteristics of squatter settlements and the issues, problems and perceptions associated with resettlement. Because the archive information on this subject in Sarawak is largely absent or unavailable, the research data are obtained and deductive inferences made from macro data, structured as well as casual interviews, ground surveys and observations. The research finds that the Tabuan Lian community is not unlike other squatter communities in Sarawak and Malaysia, although there are specific issues unique to each settlement. The affected people are illegally inhabiting lands which are legally not theirs i. e. squatting on lands belonging to 3`d party, thus, the term squatters are applied to them; the physical condition of their housing area are makeshift with some in a deplorable state; they lack the basic utility services like proper piped water and wired electricity and proper sanitary systems. The main problems associated with this group are hygiene and esteem which are universal squatter problems. Their perception and receptiveness towards resettlement are found to be influenced by factors such as distance of displacement, moving cost, adaptation to a new neighbourhood, size of the new abode, incentives for moving, the facilities and amenities available in the new area and other expectations which could be applied to most resettlement exercise in Malaysia. This study also identifies the cause and effects of squatters in order that this understanding might assist in the formulation of best approaches and strategies to deal with other squatter issues. The facts and data presented in this Research aim to give a deeper insight into squatter settlements and resettlement in order to create a deeper awareness of the issues at hand and to provide pointers on the factors to consider in terms of cause and effect as well as factors influencing perception and tries to draw recommended guidelines for proper resettlement in order to increase the success of resettlement programs.

Actions (For repository members only: login required)

View Item