By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 23: Sarawak is set to expand Kampung Nyalau into a new township under a master plan approach to support the spillover growth from the Samalaju Industrial Park, while ensuring existing residents remain unaffected.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the expansion is part of long-term planning to create a modern settlement that will serve as a social and economic support hub for the fast-growing industrial corridor in Bintulu.
“We have planned Kampung Nyalau to be expanded and upgraded without affecting the current residents. They will be provided with better facilities, and it will become a social support system for investors coming into Samalaju.
“This means Bintulu will have a suburban settlement point,” he said when speaking during the Bintulu Division-level Sarawakku Sayang Programme broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) on Facebook today.
Speaking to reporters later, Abang Johari said Kampung Nyalau is currently a small village, but will be extended and developed with improved infrastructure and modern amenities while maintaining the existing community structure.
He said the development will follow a mixed township model combining residential, commercial and service components, similar to other planned developments in the State.
Abang Johari said the development will be guided by a master plan, similar to the planned development framework for Kampung Jepak in Bintulu, ensuring structured and connected growth.
“That is why we have a master plan. Just like Bintulu, we also have a master plan for Jepak. This will be connected. It is a new township because it will support the community there,” he said.
He stressed that the expansion will not displace existing villagers, but instead generate economic spillover benefits as population and activity in the surrounding industrial areas increase.
“It will not affect the villagers. They will remain as they are. But they will benefit economically because when there are more people, their businesses will grow,” he added.
Also present were Abang Johari’s daughter Dayang Norjihan; Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof and wife Datin Amar Ruziah Tahir; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and wife Dato Enn Ong; Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and wife Dato Fatimah Iskandar; Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development as well as Kemena assemblyman Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and wife Datin Sri Loretta Rundi; Minister in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai; and Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and wife Dato Baduyah Bujang. — DayakDaily
