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Great changes coming to Sibuti

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AN oil palm smallholder in Sibuti fertilising his seedlings.

THE parliamentary constituency of Sibuti is a harmonious rural area with Malay, Melanau, Kedayan, Iban, Chinese and others making up the multi-racial community. The famous Niah Caves are located in the constituency, drawing thousands of tourists from within Malaysia and abroad. This has spurred a number of enterprising locals to go into the homestay business. While decades ago, the residents had to rely on kerosene lamps and rainwater, today almost all of them have access to electricity and piped water. Sibuti is represented by the incumbent Ahmad Lai Bujang (BNPBB) who polled 13,348 votes to defeat Muhammad Zaid Tandang (PAS – 7,282 votes) in the last general election in 2013. It comprises the state seats of Bekenu and Lambir which are represented by Rosey Yunus (BN-PBB) and Ripin Lamat (BN-PBB). The most significant development in this parliamentary constituency is the Lambir Housing Scheme which has enabled many among the community to own houses at affordable prices.

505 units of affordable terrace houses costing a total of RM89.2 million were completed in October 2015. They were built with communal facilities on a 36.69-acre site in Sungai Rait. Called PPR Lambir, each unit has three bedrooms, living bedroom, two bathrooms, kitchen, and a dining room. They were meant for households with income below RM3,000 per month. Alexander Jaya, 35 years old, was one of the successful applicants for the housing scheme. He had been waiting to own a house for more than 10 years. “I am really happy now to have my own house. I would like to extend my thanks to the government for this housing scheme.

“This scheme is great for low income people like us,” he said. Alexander, a father of two is also a recipient of the Social Welfare Department monthly aid and Socso pension scheme after being involved in a road mishap in 2009. Another successful applicant is Khairul Anuar Jaman, 29 years old from Kampung Batu 8 Lambir. Khairul expressed his gratitude and thanks to the government for being allocated a unit, enabling him and his family to own a house. “Now I can raise my kids in my own home. I can’t wait to move into the house and hope that we can move in soon,” he said, adding that currently he was staying in his brother’s house in Lambir. Another grateful applicant was Bong Wan Tzen, 36 years old. “ I cons ider thi s as a BN Government’s present for my kids.

They are very happy and can’t wait to move into the new house,” she said, adding that she had been waiting for more than 10 years to own a house. Bong also thanked the government for its effort in providing affordable housing scheme for the community in the area. Projects in Sibuti have also been up and running to provide more opportunities for the people. One project most of the local youths are looking forward to is the proposed RM3 million government funded stadium equipped with a football field, race track and stage which will be a convenient venue for sports and social activities.

SIBUTI Bridge costing RM26m, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2017.
AN oil palm smallholder in Sibuti fertilising his seedlings.

Meanwhile, the Sibuti Bridge costing some RM26 million is expected to be completed by the end of 2017. The project includes the construction of a 70 metre bridge and 1.75 km road. On completion, the bridge will enhance economic and social activities in the area. Through the implementation of various economic transformation programmes in the constituency, Sibuti folks are now able to increase their income, thus realising the government’s mission of having a high income society in the future. According to Ahmad Lai, many people here are involved in the planting of oil palm or working in oil palm plantations.

This, he said, is an effective platform for the community to increase their income. Apart from that, he added, the government had also introduced rubber and cocoa planting schemes in this area. On education, the Sibuti MP was satisfied with the academic achievement shown by a number of schools in the constituency, some of which were able to produce a good number of excellent students.

He was also happy to note that parents now are more aware of the importance of education for their children. As an example, SK Kampung Selanyau is being listed among the top 10 primary schools in Sarawak. Ahmad Lai Bujang is seeking his third term to represent the constituency. He was born on Nov 26, 1949 in Sarikei and is married to Hajah Dayang Lily Binti Datu Abang Indeh. The couple is blessed with six children.

He received his primary education at SK Abang Haji Matahir Sarikei before continuing his studies at St. Anthony School, Sarikei. Due to his excellent academic achievement, he pursued his Diploma in Business Management at Newlands International College, Ireland before getting his first degree at Columbia Holistic University, California. In 2003, he obtained his Masters degree in Business Administration at the University of New Castle, USA. Before he became involved in politics, he was holding various top positions in government-linked corporations.

His political career started in 2007 when he was appointed political secretary to the then Chief Minister, Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud. On his preparation for the coming general election, Ahmad Lai said, “We are always ready because development for the people is a continuous process.”

AFFORDABLE Housing Scheme in Lambir.

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