By Amanda L
KUCHING, Sept 30: Local residents have been urged to retain their land assets and refrain from selling them off hastily as Asajaya undergoes rapid development, says Asajaya assemblyman Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Highlighting the district’s rising momentum, he explained that major incoming projects, including a proposed international airport at Tanjung Embang alongside extensive residential and commercial developments are set to fundamentally transform the local landscape.
This ongoing progress is expected to drive property values even higher, making prudent management essential for local landowners.
To illustrate this trajectory, he pointed out that land prices in the area had surged from around RM300 to RM500 per acre in the 1970s to nearly RM1 million per acre today.
“The value could eventually reach RM1 million per acre as development continues to reshape Asajaya.
“Do not let development take place only for our land to be sold off, leaving us with nothing in the end,” he said during his speech at the 2025 Thanksgiving Ceremony for Students Entering Public Universities and the SKOR A 2025 Programme in Asajaya today.
Beyond retaining land titles, he stressed that physical expansion must be accompanied by a shift in mindset.
He added local communities must prepare to reap the benefits of this transformation directly, rather than allowing external investors to capture most of the advantages.
Abdul Karim, who also serves as the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP), called on educated locals in particular to step forward and actively contribute to Asajaya’s future.
“Crucial infrastructure upgrades are already accelerating this growth, notably the Sejingkat Bridge, which is scheduled to open to traffic on 5 Oct.
“Enhanced road and bridge links will significantly improve accessibility to Asajaya, unlocking fresh commercial and social opportunities for the community,” he said.
He emphasised that regional progress must translate into tangible gains for its people — starting with the strategic retention and wise management of their land. — DayakDaily
