This Content Is Only For Subscribers
KUCHING, Aug 28: The land in the Batu Kawa area is classified as developed and as ‘urban land’ where land prices have significantly increased over the years, says Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Women chief Kho Teck Wan.
According to Kho, as reclassifying land is an essential part of urban planning, land value is determined by factors such as urban expansion, project development, the building of industrial parks, distance from the city centre, and implementation of high-impact projects.
“Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen selectively ignores the potential benefits of higher land value to land owners and purposely focuses on higher land lease premium for cheap publicity,” she said in a statement today.
Kho was responding to an issue highlighted by Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen on August 25 regarding a provincial landowner in Batu Kawah who was shocked by land lease renewal costing 25 times more than neighbouring land.
Kho said despite having received a response during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting held in May this year, Chong chose to exploit this matter through social media and news outlets.
She also said that in May this year, around the time of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting, Chong had raised the same inquiries about the reclassification of land and the new premium rate.
“A verbal response was delivered by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, also the Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development.
“Chong praised him for his accommodating decision in the DUN back then. Therefore, I am puzzled as to why Chong chose to remain silent on the land premium then but waited until now to make a big issue in the media outlets?” she asked. — DayakDaily
