BAU: The state government has approved the Village Expansion Scheme (SPK) for Malay villages here in view of the growing population in the area.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said he agreed to the request by Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep on the matter.
“All that is requested by Henry. Ok lah. You just pray, as long as we have the money. Besides that, I have also approved the Bidayuh Cultural Centre.
“On another request (on providing the Chinese community the land title for individual houses), we will look into it.
“But one thing for sure, Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) culture is this, when we say ‘yes’ we will deliver. This includes (developments for other areas),” he said when attending the Bau Gawai Open House 2022 at Dewan Suarah Bau here on Sunday.
Earlier, Henry in his speech said that there were four Malay villages in his constituency and it was timely for them to have a bigger place.
“They (families from the Malay villages) have been waiting for 50 years. And in one family, there are about five to 10 extended families. I think that it is too crowded. Hence, it is time to consider giving them bigger space,” he said, while adding that two sites have been identified for the SPK.
On another note, Henry said that most of the Chinese residing in the mining lease area still do not have land title deeds.
“They have been there since the mining era, including the third generation. Therefore, I seek the approval of the state government so that the Chinese community residing within the town area at least be given land titles for their individual houses.
“This is my request for my people. If the Bidayuh have the Bidayuh Cultural Centre. Let the Malay have the extended lot and the Chinese also enjoy the same benefit with all the communities.
“I think this is how we live in Sarawak. The way forward for the GPS government is that all the people live in harmony,” he said.
On the Bidayuh Culture Centre, he said the project has long been pursued by the Bau Bidayuh community spearheaded by the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Bau Branch.
“In 2021, the project received an allocation of RM8 million. This project will also be a catalyst and platform for future tourism development in Bau.
“Apart from being a community centre, the said Bidayuh Cultural Centre which will include an Auditorium/ Convention Hall will be a conference/event space to complement the existing Dewan Suarah Bau that is presently the only community/event space in Bau Town,” said Henry.
