By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 26: The people of Oya have expressed joy over the appointment of Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar as Sarawak Governor (TYT), particularly recognising him as the ‘hero’ behind the successful implementation of the Kuala Hilir Oya Beach Erosion Control and Batang Oya River Corridor Rehabilitation Plan (RMKS) projects in Mukah, Sarawak.
The projects involved the construction of about 2-kilometre-long seawall to address the severe erosion at Kuala Hilir Beach and the construction of 210-metre-long river corridor in Pekan Sabtu Oya (completed in 2020).
In stating this, Sarawak Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah recounted the good deeds of Wan Junaidi, who was the former Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (2015-2018), to ensure the continuity of the projects.
“When there was a change of government, the seawall project (at Kuala Hilir Beach) was put under KIV (keep-in-view) status.
“At that time, he worked so hard to ensure that the project is continued and Alhamdulillah, the beach seawall project is now completed.
“We have made a decision, even before his appointment as the new TYT, that we would invite him to officiate the completed seawall which is very meaningful to the fisherman community in Oya,” she told a press conference at Baitulmakmur II here today.
Wan Junaidi had also officiated at the completion of RMKS Batang Oya project back in 2021.
Fatimah, who is Dalat assemblywoman, further disclosed that many of her constituents have expressed their delight on social media upon learning that Wan Junaidi has been appointed as the TYT not only because of his hard work for the local community but also because he is worthy of the position.
“We believe that he deserves to be a TYT with the experience that he has and his credibility.
“Congratulations on his appointment and we will forward the invitation letter to inaugurate the seawall project and Oya Kaul festival later,” she added.
This morning, Wan Junaidi received his appointment letter from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur, succeeding his predecessor Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
He was also awarded the country’s highest award, the Darjah Kebesaran Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara (SSM) which carries the title “Tun”. — DayakDaily
