SIBU: Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Michael Tiang, has set aside RM200,000 for the first phase of upgrading works at Melanau Seduan cemetery at Sungai Merah here today.
Tiang, who is also the Pelawan assemblyman, said the funds for upgrading one of the oldest cemeteries in Sibu came from his Rural Transformation Projects (RTP) grant.
The first phase of the upgrading works for the cemetery, which has existed since the 18th century, involves toilet construction as well as earth-filling to address the frequent flooding issue in the area.
“I am here to help the community to upgrade part of this graveyard.
“It is located along the river and faces riverbank erosion and flooding issues. So, I am going to use my RTP fund to help them increase the level of the graveyard through earth-filling works,” he said when met by reporters during a site visit to Melanau Seduan cemetery.
Tiang also said the second phase of the project will involve constructing retaining walls to prevent further erosion near the riverbank.
“I also want to have a dialogue with the community. I have found that this is a very precious part of Sibu’s heritage history, especially concerning the Melanau settlement,” he said.
Tiang also proposed building a memorial park at the entrance of the graveyard to educate people about the history of Seduan Melanaus.
“I think that would be invaluable. I believe we should protect and maintain this area,” he added.
Meanwhile, former community leader Sahari Ybu, 82, said the Melanaus at Kampung Nangka hold gotong-royong at the cemetery almost every week to ensure its cleanliness.
“We do it on voluntary basis. Obviously, this is our ancestors’ place. We also want to make this place respectable and presentable,” he said.
He thanked Tiang for helping the community to upgrade the cemetery, and the government for supporting the community previously in the maintenance of the cemetery.
