BINTANGOR: The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) received 436 applications from throughout the state since 2020 to rebuild longhouses and individual homes destroyed by fire.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is the SDMC chairman, said the total cost to rebuild 2,041 units of properties destroyed by fire amounted to RM130,831,500.
He said a total of 131 projects comprising 675 units and costing about RM43 million had been successfully implemented.
“Another 101 projects totalling 683 units and costing around RM45 million are still in the process of construction,” he said after visiting a 43-door longhouse Rh. Labang anak Jawa in Sungai Tulai near here yesterday (June 19).
The longhouse was destroyed in a fire in July 2017. It has been rebuilt and is almost ready for occupation. It comprises two separate rows of 17 units each.
Meanwhile, there are another 204 new applications comprising 683 units and costing RM41,419,500.
“For the Sarikei Division, we have seven projects for 40 units costing RM2.9 million which are now completed. They include three longhouses, namely Rh Paun Balin, Rh. Labang Jawa and Rh Jelum Mandaw, and four individual homes,” he said.
In addition, there are four projects for 43 units estimated at RM3 million now being implemented which involve three longhouse, namely Rh. Andrew Lawai, Rh. Sally Maling (Merurun, Julau) and Rh. Chat (Nanga Bilat,Julau) and an individual home.
Uggah said SDMC also received four other applications for 42 units costing about RM2 million.
Earlier in his speech, Uggah said the Sarawak government would continue to look after the welfare of its people whether they lived in urban or rural areas.
“Our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has introduced this policy of assisting fire victims after 2018.
“As a caring government we also have socio-economic and welfare programmes to cater to the people’s needs,” he added.
Uggah, who is the minister in charge of UNIFOR (Unit for Other Religions), announced a grant of RM30,000 to upgrade the longhouse church.
Also present at the function was Meradong assemblyman Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing.
