DEVELOPMENTS undertaken by government are often celebrated as the path to progress, promising a better future for all.
The journey of societal advancement is however rarely a smooth ascent, instead, it meanders through valleys of compromises and trade-offs.
The same holds true for the Bukit Assek Redevelopment Plan, the Sarawak government’s largest project with an initial allocation of RM1 billion.
The plan is anticipated to affect a total of 2,000 households in the area.
The residents continue to express their support for the government’s development plan but hold hopes that they will receive fair compensation for the sacrifices they are making.
Ngu Wu Pau, a single parent and long-time resident of Bukit Assek, has a deep connection to the area. He has been living in a detached house on Belian Lane, built by his father 50 years ago.
“Our first house was in Jalan Tong Sang. When I was in primary school, my father bought a piece of land towards the end of Belian Lane. He spent a total of about RM600,000 on building and renovating the house twice,” he recalled.
Last year, his father transferred ownership of the house to him.
But Ngu, 57, is all for the proposed Bukit Assek Redevelopment Master Plan.
“I am willing to surrender the land on which my house currently sits. However, the compensation must be fair, considering that this is a prime area near the town centre,” said Ngu, who works as an e-hailing driver.
In fact, he visited the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) last year to inquire about the potential impact of this billion-ringgit project on his house.
“The council staff were unsure. Perhaps it was still too early to tell back then,” he said.
Chua Siok Tin, a 66-year-old single mother, is also fully in favour of the development of Bukit Assek.
“I have been living in this area since 1985. Apart from the construction of Jalan Wong Soon Kai (formerly known as Jalan Pedada) and Jalan Wong King Ho, there has not been much progress here,” said Chua, whose residence is on Jalan Tong Sang.
When she read reports about the massive development planned by the Sarawak government, she felt it was a godsend.
She is one of the residents eager for development in this water-logged area.
“I once suffered from dengue fever because this place is known as a dengue hotspot, encompassing Jalan Hua Khiew, Jalan Tiong Hua and Jalan Tong Sang. Keep in mind that this area is densely populated by rural workers,” she emphasised.
She hopes that the redevelopment of Bukit Assek will also address the issue of mosquito breeding grounds.
“The Bukit Assek Redevelopment Plan, based on what I’ve read, is not yet finalised. I don’t know if my terrace house will be affected by this development. If it is, I hope the government will compensate us fairly,” she said.
Meanwhile, in a recent interview by New Sarawak Tribune, Bukit Assek Assemblyman Joseph Chieng said the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) will conduct land acquisition at the project area.
“The government will start the process of land acquisition (once the masterplan ready) but for religious places and school, we won’t touch these. The rest we will do it in phases,” he said.
Chieng pointed out that half of the 2,000 affected houses in the Bukit Assek Redevelopment Plan are abandoned residences due to flash floods and poor soil conditions.
“Most of the residents who living there right now are tenants, rural-urban migrants who seek better job opportunities in the town,” he said.
On being asked about the compensation for the affected residents, Chieng emphasised his commitment to ensuring the welfare of the people.
“I have one responsibility, which is to ensure the land acquisition is carried out at the highest market price,” he assured.
Chieng said that they also proposed for affordable houses or condominiums to be built.
“For those who are willing to exchange, maybe, they can move to condominiums which will be built within or outside the development plan,” he said.
Nevertheless, the Sarawak government assured that those affected by the project will be compensated fairly as no Sarawakian will be left behind in the state development.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has expressed his unwavering commitment to the people of Sarawak, regardless of their ethnicity, stating: “I will fight for all Sarawakians as the Chief Minister (now premier), regardless of race. I’m the chief minister (Premier) of Sarawakians, the Sarawakians’ interest are my top priority and concern.
And his predecessor, the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem (Tok Nan) emphasised the spirit of unity and support within the federation, proclaiming, “we must sink or swim together. When I’m in trouble, you help me, when you are in trouble, we help you. This is what the federation is all about.”
