SIBU: Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee has refuted allegations of the government seizing land in Kampung Baharu, Kampung Datu Lama and Kampung Hilir.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development clarified that the land was procured by the government through Section 48 of the Sarawak Land Code for infrastructure development projects.
The Nangka assemblyman argued that without acquiring the land, project implementation would not be possible.
“It is not acquired permanently. But the government has to acquire the land because the money used to develop the infrastructure comes from the government.
“How can the government enter the land (and implement infrastructure development project) if it is private land?” he said during the appreciation ceremony for the Village Security and Development Committees (JKKKs) under Nangka state constituency at Lakis Hall here yesterday (Nov 26).
He said that there are 179 units of houses to be built in Kampung Datu Lama, Kampung Baharu and Kampung Hilir
“The government will build infrastructure and houses on the land and then will give the land back to the owner,” he assured.
Dr Annuar also dismissed rumours that villagers relocating to Kampung Datu Baru must dish out from their pocket, assuring that the villagers will not incur any costs.
“The government never said it. I also never said it but the issue is being played up by certain parties claiming that those asked to relocate to Kampung Datu Baru will have to pay a certain amount,” he said.
He urged the JKKKs involved to explain the matter to the people so that no future misunderstandings between the government and the people will affect the project.
“This is the right time for us to implement infrastructure development in this area as the land still has high value.
“If the Bukit Assek Redevelopment is implemented, the Bukit Assek constituency would be equipped with infrastructure. People will choose to move and stay in Bukit Assek instead,” he said.
