SIBU: A total of RM560,000 under the Minor Rural Project (MRP) fund has been allocated for the repair and upgrading of longhouses in the Sekuau Resettlement Scheme area in Selangau.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the funds would be used to restore and upgrade the longhouses, including improving the electrical wiring in the affected units.
“I was informed that there are 12 longhouses, but during the earlier briefing, the number of pintu (door units) wasn’t clearly stated. It turns out there are over 600 doors, so allocating funds for each unit might not be feasible with the current budget.
“I have discussed this with the director of the Sarawak State Development Office Jasni Jubli and the total allocation we have secured for this year is RM560,000.
“So I am leaving it to the Member of Parliament and the State Assemblyman to decide on the priority areas. Hopefully, we can continue with additional funding next year until all issues are resolved,” he said.
He said this during his speech while officiating the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Sekuau Resettlement Scheme here today (May 17).
At the programme, Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, approved an allocation of RM1.3 million for the construction of a Cultural Hall in the area and expressed his support for the establishment of a memorial monument similar to the one in Kanowit.
Earlier, the community representative for the Sekuau Resettlement Scheme, Councillor Henry Kanyan Vincent Rawing, in his welcoming speech, had requested for the construction of the Sekuau Cultural House, a hall that would serve as a cultural centre for the local residents.
“This hall can serve as a centre for arts training, a heritage gallery, and a community tourism site. It is important to ensure that cultural heritage is preserved and passed on to future generations,” he said.
End with pics.
SBW-fadillah mrp-1705-avk-1: Fadillah officiates at the celebrations.
SBW-fadillah mrp-1705-avk-2: Fadillah is greeted by residents upon his arrival.
