PULAU Gaya might be a marine park but the island is also home to a sizeable number of illegal immigrants and squatters.
Kg Pondoh is only 1.5km and a 10-minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu city but the village lacks basic amenities and infrastructure with poor hygiene and sanitation.
After the implementation of the first phase of the movement-control order (MCO) on March 18, villagers on Pulau Gaya were barred from leaving the island or entering the state capital.
Only those involved in essential services are allowed to enter Kota Kinabalu during the MCO period.
Even though they have been given food assistance, it’s not enough to support a large family. The villagers hope that the authorities will improve their living conditions as the nation deals with the Covid-19 outbreak. – April 20, 2020.
Pulau Gaya is about a 10-minute boat ride away from the mainland. It is home to several water villages. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, April 20, 2020.Although movement restrictions are enforced, many islanders are still going about their normal lives. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, April 20, 2020.Villagers enjoying a volleyball game in the water in Palau Gaya, Sabah. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, April 20, 2020.Children playing games on their smartphones in Palau Gaya, Sabah. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, April 20, 2020.Marine police are deployed to monitor the movement of the islanders on Palau Gaya, Sabah. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, April 20, 2020.Only islanders suffering from emergency health problems and those involved in essential services are allowed to enter Kota Kinabalu during the MCO period. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, April 20, 2020.A boy walking along a wooden jetty in front of his home on Palau Gaya, Sabah. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, April 20, 2020.After the implementation of the first phase of the movement-control order on March 18, villagers in Pulau Gaya were barred from leaving the island or to enter the state capital. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, April 20, 2020.Even though they are given food assistance, it’s not enough to support families with many children. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, April 20, 2020.A mother putting her children to sleep on Palau Gaya, Sabah. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, April 20, 2020.A family travelling on their boat at night on Palau Gaya, Sabah. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, April 20, 2020.Islanders have to use firewood to cook, which adds to their daily burdens. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, April 20, 2020.Marine police monitoring the movement of the islanders, who are barred from leaving the island or to enter the state capital. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, April 20, 2020.The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency handing out basic foodstuff to villagers near Pulau Gaya, Sabah. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Irwan Majid, April 20, 2020.
Comments
Posted 4 years ago by Ali Karim · Reply