KUCHING: About 20 of the 63 families squatting at the Chawan Road Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) cemetery site here have indicated they are ready to relocate.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the state government was still identifying more other
suitable sites for them.
“Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari has, for a start, allowed them to move to the Batu Gong area in Siburan near here.
“We are also studying another option, that is the low cost housing,” Uggah said during a courtesy call by three Iban longhouse chiefs and their Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) members yesterday.
The group was led by Tuai Rumah Adi Jaya, Tuai Runah Ajun Lasu and Tuai Rumah Moses Iba Dagang from the Taman Malihah and Taman Alamanda areas.
“We would like to know the real reasons why the others prefer to stay put.
“I have been told some of them are working at nearby factories and their children are studying in nearby schools. And financial constraint is the other reason,” said Uggah.
“Currently, the place that they are occupying is a cemetery belonging to SDNU. A cemetery is not a proper place to stay or to raise their children for the long haul.”
Uggah hoped the community leaders would continue to convince them to relocate.
The Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Minister suggested urban Dayaks with empty land in their compounds take up modern farming systems like the
fertigation and hydroponics.
“The systems do not require much space or manpower to manage.
“You can grow crops like chillies, native vegetables or ginger and these have good market demands.
“The womenfolk can perhaps pool their resources together to take up some cottage industry activities. All these can generate supplementary income,” he added.
He also revealed that the government planned to set up an agro park at Samarahan where interested farmers could rent plots for planting.
“Those interested could check with the Agriculture Department for any assistance and other details,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tuai Rumah Adi, in his speech, said the Kuching Iban community leaders were very happy with Uggah’s leadership.
“He had shown himself to be a most approachable leader who cared a lot for their well-being,” he said.
Adi added the purpose of the call was to invite Uggah to be the guest of honour at two fund raising dinners on October 25 and November 8.
