MALUDAM: Maludam can look forward to a facelift once development projects undertaken by the Sarawak government via a new approach are in place.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the new approach was designed to transform the rural community’s landscape.
“The main feature of the new approach is the Village Expansion Scheme (SPK),” he said at the groundbreaking ceremony for 231 residential lots of phase one of the Maludam development projects.
According to him, the project involves earthworks for the new housing lots, construction of tar-sealed roads and concrete drainage system, and electricity supply, all of which are funded by the state government.
“Land owners in the resettlement and village extension scheme need only pay a land premium of RM2,500 compared to RM5,000 set previously,” he stressed.
He said the Maludam sub-district office would be constructed within the extension area so that it could serve the people better.
“Once all this development projects are in place, we are going to build direct roads from Batang Lupar to connect this area,” he said, adding that the people could look forward to a better lifestyle once all the development projects were in place.
“With the revenue collected from the petroleum sales tax, we will use it to continue the cancelled projects by the Federal government, including our schools in the rural areas,” he stressed.
Abang Johari, who is chairman of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), said the state government was sincere and committed in developing not only Maludam but all the interior communities throughout the state.
Meanwhile, Lingga assemblywoman Simoi Peri thanked the chief minister for fulfilling his promises to the people in Maludam.
“Today, we have witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony for 231 residential lots, which is the phase one of the projects by the chief minister, with a total cost of RM12.3 million.
“There are also other development projects that the Sarawak government has undertaken in Maladum, and these include the building of the RM1 million Muladam Hall, which is in the tender stage.
Other development projects included upgrading the football field and a grand stand on a RM500,000 budget, a new hawker centre (RM1.3 million) which is almost completed and a new school building for SK Meludam (RM35.7 million) which is expected to be completed by March 2021.
“All these come from the state’s coffers, and not from the Federal government.
“This goes to show that our chief minister is concerned for the people and does not want anybody to be left out,” she said.
Among those present were Coastal Road Assistant Minister Julaihi Narawi, Batang Lupar MP Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim, Beting Maro assemblyman Razali Gapor and Saribas assemblyman Mohammad Razi Sitam.
