By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 27: Lundu town is set to expand under a resettlement programme approved by the Sarawak government, giving the growing town more room for future development.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said he had approved a request by Tanjong Datu assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan to expand the town through the programme.
“Azizul and Dato Sri Nancy Shukri (Santubong MP) have discussed expanding Lundu town through the resettlement programme we are implementing in Lundu, and I have approved Azizul’s request.
“This means the town will expand,” he said during the postponement ceremony of the Batang Kayan Regatta in Lundu today, which was broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) on Youtube.
The move comes as Lundu and its surrounding settlements continue to grow, with earlier plans for village expansion aimed at addressing increasing population density and providing space for further development.
In July 2024, Azizul had highlighted the growing density in Kampung Sileng Dayak and Kampung Sileng Melayu, saying a Village Expansion Scheme was needed to accommodate future growth in the two areas.
The proposal was subsequently approved by Abang Johari, with the scheme intended to provide additional space for residential development around the villages.
Today, Abang Johari said the expansion of Lundu was part of wider plans to develop Tanjung Datu, particularly the stretch from Telok Melano to Lundu.
He said improved connectivity had brought greater attention to Telok Melano, including from the Sultan of Pahang, who had expressed interest in the area.
“When he is interested in Telok Melano, it means he is interested in the surrounding areas, including Tanjung Datu,” he said.
Abang Johari said the State government would continue planning development along the Telok Melano-Lundu corridor. — DayakDaily
