By Karen Bong
SIBU, July 11: The positive impact of Kampung Datu redevelopment project has prompted residents in Sibu to request that similar housing initiatives be extended to other areas, including Simpang Tiga.
Deputy Minister of Education and Innovation Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said some residents had expressed their hope for the redevelopment concept to be expanded after seeing the benefits brought by the project.
“Some of them have requested that the project be extended to other villages and eventually to Simpang Tiga because they see the importance of this development,” he said when speaking at the Sarawakku Sayang programme at Tun Tuanku Bujang Square today.
The programme was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Dr Annuar, who is also Nangka assemblyman, said the Kampung Datu redevelopment was not merely a housing project but an initiative that restored the dignity and quality of life of residents by providing them with more comfortable and better living conditions.
He stressed that the redevelopment was not about taking away land from residents but about rebuilding the area and creating better opportunities for the community.
“They can see that what the government is doing is not taking away their land, but rebuilding and giving them the opportunity to live more comfortably and with greater dignity,” he said.
Dr Annuar expressed his appreciation to Abang Johari and the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) for implementing the project.
He also highlighted the Kemunyang housing project as another example of Sarawak’s structured approach to providing affordable housing.
He said the concept allowed residents to own homes at affordable prices initially while giving them the flexibility to expand their houses in the future as their income and family size increased.
“Having a home of their own is a dream for every individual, especially those who are married,” he said.
Dr Annuar said housing remained a critical issue for Sibu due to high rural-to-urban migration, with many people moving to the city for employment, education and economic opportunities.
He added that continued investment in housing infrastructure was important to ensure Sibu remained an attractive and liveable city for future generations. — DayakDaily
