By DayakDaily Team
SIBU, July 31: Communities in three Rajang Security Command (RASCOM) resettlement schemes in Ngemah could benefit from improved infrastructure and public amenities following the federal government’s decision to transfer ownership of former RASCOM sites to the Sarawak government, says Ngemah assemblyman Anyi Jana.
Anyi said the Cabinet’s decision would allow the Sarawak government to plan and implement development more efficiently based on the needs of local communities.
The three State Settlement Scheme (SPS) RASCOM areas involved in the handover — Nanga Jagau, Nanga Ngungun and Nanga Tada — are located within the Ngemah constituency.
He described the decision as a significant milestone reflecting close cooperation between the federal and Sarawak governments, as well as continued recognition of Sarawak’s aspirations in line with the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“This decision is a meaningful and historic step, not only as a manifestation of cooperation between the federal and Sarawak governments, but also as proof that the aspirations of Sarawakians continue to receive attention in accordance with the spirit of MA63,” he said as quoted by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) today.
Anyi said the transfer of ownership would provide greater flexibility for future planning involving infrastructure and basic amenities, including roads, clean water supply, electricity, telecommunications, education, healthcare, housing and other public facilities.
He said the development opportunities arising from the land handover could help improve the quality of life for residents while creating more economic, education and employment opportunities for local communities.
“This will allow the younger generation to enjoy a better quality of life without having to leave their hometowns,” he said.
Anyi also expressed his appreciation to the Federal government for the decision to transfer ownership of the former RASCOM sites to Sarawak.
He further commended the Sarawak government’s continued efforts in safeguarding the State’s rights and accelerating rural development for the well-being of the people.
The federal government recently agreed to transfer ownership of about 3,655 hectares of former RASCOM land in Sibu Division to the Sarawak government following a Cabinet decision.
The transfer involves four SPS RASCOM areas — Nanga Jagau, Nanga Ngungun, Nanga Tada and Nanga Entalau — and is expected to allow the State government to have greater control over future planning and development of the sites. — DayakDaily
