KUCHING: A landowner left stranded without legal access to his property following a highway project will have his temporary route maintained, with a permanent solution in the works.
Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap gave this assurance, stressing that efforts are ongoing to resolve the matter.
The access issue stems from the ongoing highway construction project that begins at the southern access point of Kuching International Airport, near Aeroville Mall. The project, while beneficial in the long term, has inadvertently cut off legal access to several private properties in the area.
Yap said the landowner, Chong, who owns Lot 2556 located in the vicinity of the construction area, currently relies on an informal path crossing neighbouring Lots 1089 and 1090.
However, he said the arrangement remains uncertain as it depends on the goodwill of the neighboring landowners, who could revoke access at any time.
“Despite repeated appeals to the Public Works Department (PWD) for a permanent solution, he received no resolution.
“No one should be left in legal limbo because of infrastructure meant to serve the public,” said Yap following a visit to the site today (Apr 29).
During the visit, Yap was accompanied by PWD officers and their consultants to assess the situation.
It was agreed that the current access route would be maintained until a slip road is constructed to provide permanent legal access to Chong’s property.
Yap stressed that while safety concerns must be considered, fairness to affected landowners should not be overlooked.
He also called on government authorities to adopt a more empathetic and proactive approach when addressing issues arising from public infrastructure projects.
“Affected landowners deserve legal clarity. Infrastructure progress should not come at the cost of leaving citizens short-changed.
“The PWD must engage all stakeholders with compassion and fairness,” he added.
