By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Nov 7: Repok assemblyman Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii suggested today that the state government change the existing leasehold residential landed properties to freehold.
He believed this initiative would benefit urban and suburban residents, especially those in the medium- and low-income groups.
Presently, most properties in Sarawak are given leasehold of 60 years or 90 years. There are also landed properties with 999 years or perpetuity titles.
Upon expiry of the leasehold, property owners would have to re-apply, where a certain amount of premium would be charged.
Huang also raised the concerns of the business community in Meradong about the new minimum wage of RM1,100.
“The business sector in Meradong is concerned that the above policy is going to be applied across the board, and this will have far-reaching effects on small and medium scale businesses in small towns like Bintangor and other similar towns throughout Sarawak.
“I sincerely hope that we can find ways and means to ensure that they are not too much burdened by the new policy,” said Hwang when debating the State Budget 2019.
Meanwhile, Hwang also urged the Ministry of Utilities to implement the RM81 million water reticulation system project as announced by Abang Johari earlier this year.
“It is vitally important that the ministry concerned get the project started as soon as possible and at the same time do the necessary to ensure Meradong gets enough treated water supply either by some short-term improvement works to Temudak Treatment Plant or get a fair share of the treated water supply from Bayong Treatment Plant Sarikei via Bulat Junction,” he said. — DayakDaily
