SIBU: Deputy chairman of Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC), Wong Ching Yong, recently led a delegation to meet with the Sibu Resident, Mohammad Porkan Budiman, with the aim of seeking further assistance for the reconstruction project of Rumah Ngelai Usit at Jalan Pulau Dudong here.
Wong in a media statement yesterday (Aug 3) stated that he, together with Mohammad Porkan would write a letter to the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) to explain the current situation in detail and to seek more support so that all affected families can get new houses quickly.
According to Wong, the longhouse suffered a serious fire during the Gawai Dayak celebration in 2023, causing 12 families to lose their homes.
He said it was worth noting that the reconstruction project had been approved by SDMC on July 31, 2024 involving 12 families with an estimated cost of RM840,000 and that the Public Works Department (JKR) would assist in the reconstruction work.
Wong, who is also the chairman of the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Dudong Branch said he has long been committed to rural development and improving the welfare of the people, and has played a crucial role in this reconstruction process.
“We will do our best to ensure that all affected families receive the appropriate assistance, without anyone being left behind. This is our responsibility and our promise to the people,” he said.
“A month ago, together with other leaders of the SUPP Dudong Branch, I once again visited Rumah Ngelai to monitor the post-disaster developments, communicate with the head of the longhouse about their needs and opinions, which further strengthened my determination to rebuild the longhouse.
“This visit aims to ensure that the reconstruction project of the longhouse goes smoothly and hopes that with the efforts of all parties, residents can return to normal life as soon as possible.
“SDMC does not only provide assistance to the residents of the longhouse, but any individual or family affected by disasters, regardless of race or religion, can apply at the Sibu District office. The District office will carefully review each application and submit the relevant applications to SDMC for further action and evaluation,” Wong added.
Also present during the visit were the Political Secretary to the Premier, William Annut, Pemanca Paing, councillor Jason Tay, and the head of Rumah Ngelai.
