KOTA KINABALU, July 13 -- A squatter demolished his own home while authorities tore down 38 other illegal units during an integrated operation at a settlement behind Likas Square on Thursday.

The operation, which ran from 9am to 5pm, was led by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) as the landowner of the river and drainage reserve.

It involved 25 personnel from several agencies, including the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) Enforcement Department, police, Sabah Electricity, and the Assistant Collector of Land Revenue.

The structures were demolished using machinery operated by DID-appointed contractors.

DBKK said the settlement had previously been subject to enforcement action, but monitoring found that illegal structures had...