By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 21: Nine ‘Lebuk Kaul’ (Kaul Houses) that have been completed and equipped with sleeping, dining, and bathroom facilities, with a total allocation of RM450,000, will be converted into homestays managed by various Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKs) in Oya, Dalat, generating revenue for the community and making it easier for visitors to enjoy the beach atmosphere.
Dalat assemblywoman Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah emphasised the importance of proper maintenance for each Lebuk Kaul.
The Lebuk Kaul will be utilised for a variety of activities throughout the year, such as outreach programmes, teambuilding, co-curricular activities, and family or company retreats for government and private agencies, according to Fatimah, who is also the Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Sarawak Minister.
“The construction of Lebuk Kaul was implemented by the JKKKs through ‘gotong-royong’, where the construction process unifies the people, which is very important in building unity.
“Nine Lebuk Kaul have been completed, with eight being allocated to each JKKK in the Oya area, and the remaining Lebuk Kaul being under the patronage of the Dalat JKKK,” she said during her speech at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Oya Kaul Festival, which was live streamed by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) today in Oya, Dalat.
Sarawak Head of State (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, officiated the 2024 Oya Kaul Festival.
“When we hand over to the JKKK, ‘ownership’ is very important. Ownership is a ‘sense of belonging’ to the Lebuk Kaul by the JKKK which has been held accountable.
“The Lebuk Kaul is under the supervision of the JKKK, ensuring accountability, happiness, safety, and cleanliness. No longer under the local authority,” Fatimah added.
Furthermore, according to her, the decision to build the Lebuk Kaul was driven by the need for a permanent structure at the festival site, eliminating the hassle of renting a tent every year for the Kaul Festival.
“Every year we build a tent for the JKKK for the Kaul Festival. I contributed a certain amount of money to build the tent but after the event is over, the tent is dismantled.
“The following year, a certain amount of budget was allocated for the JKKK tent, then it was dismantled again. Until when? That is where the idea for Lebuk Kaul came from,” she noted.
The Dalat assemblywoman further revealed that the construction of the Lebuk Kaul adheres to the prescribed model and specifications, ensuring its permanence and eliminating the need for any future demolitions.
Additonally, Fatimah noted that the Oya Kaul Festival site in Oya, Dalat, will be enhanced with the construction of various facilities, aiming to boost tourism and improve convenience for the local community.
She highlighted that one of the projects being implemented is the extension of the coastal erosion control dam in Kampung Kuala Hilir Oya, which will be carried out by the Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA).
She mentioned that the project includes the construction of a 230-metre long Armour Rock Revetment structure and a 300-metre long walkway extension.
In addition, there are plans to build a jetty for fishing boats to dock and install bench lights, which are expected to cost around RM4 million.
“In order to ensure that visitors to the Kaul site have a memorable experience not just during the Kaul Festival, but all year round, it is imperative to enhance the existing facilities.
“We are considering the idea of opening a seafood restaurant similar to those found in Melaka.
“In addition, we plan to construct a durable, weather-resistant main stage and a versatile hall that can be utilised by both children and the department for various activities, such as team building programmes,” she added. — DayakDaily
