The century-old fishing village of Kampung Likas Lama, a community deeply rooted in heritage and tradition, is on the brink of erasure.

A government river dredging project aimed at combating flash floods in the city threatens to displace over 1,000 residents, erasing six generations of history and culture.

Families, many of whom have called the village home for more than a century, were blindsided by eviction notices giving them just two weeks to dismantle their lives and move.

“This village isn’t just a cluster of houses—it’s a community built on memories, identity, and a way of life,” said Darau assemblyman Azhar Matussin, who has called for a more compassionate approach.

“A two-week notice is simply too short for people to find new homes, especially when this has been their home for generations.”

The dredging project seeks to deepen Sungai Likas to improve water flow and prevent flooding. Sungai Likas is a crucial drainage hub for Kota Kinabalu, Kolombong, Penampang, and Luyang, with tributaries like the Inanam River feeding into it.

Years of sediment buildup have left its mouth just three feet deep, stranding fishermen and forcing them to drag boats up to two kilometers at low tide.

But for villagers, the cost of this project goes far beyond engineering challenges. Most of the affected families rely on fishing for their livelihoods, and relocation would sever their connection to the sea.

“How are we supposed to work if we’re moved away from the river? Our lives depend on fishing,” Azhar said, questioning the government’s decision.

The looming demolition has also reignited a long-standing grievance.

Villager Awang Rasid Derahim revealed that residents have been trying unsuccessfully since the 1990s to have the area gazetted as an official kampung.

“We applied four times, even during Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee’s tenure as Chief Minister. The Lands and Surveys Department rejected every effort,” Awang said, adding that the community supports development but wants the government to proceed with care.

“This isn’t about opposing progress. It’s about protecting our humanity and the welfare of the people,” he stressed.

Residents are particularly frustrated with the timing of the evictions, which coincide with Ramadan and the school term.

“Fourteen days is impossible for us to find a new place to live, especially during Ramadan,” said villager Abd Ghani Kassim.

“We’ve lived here for six generations. There has to be another way.”

Ghani proposed diverting the river upstream to minimize the project’s impact, a suggestion echoed by Azhar.

“I’ve spoken to the authorities. Surely there’s a way to balance development and compassion,” Azhar said, urging the government to reconsider its plans.

For the residents of Kampung Likas Lama, this isn’t just a fight to save their homes—it’s a fight to preserve their heritage, their identity, and a way of life passed down for over a century.

“This village has stood the test of time. It shouldn’t be erased in the name of progress,” Azhar said. – January 21, 2025