SIBU: Malay villages that had to previously make way for development in the town centre need to be reinstated elsewhere here.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dr Annuar Rapa’ee said these involved Kampung Nyabor, Kampung Pulo Berendam, Kampung Pak Sanyut and Kampung Pulo.
“I am trying to apply to the State government so that these villages which were sacrificed to make way for development in Sibu town in the past can be replaced elsewhere but we have not been able to confirm the location yet.
He said the residents from these villages were mostly relocated to Kampung Bandung and Kampung Barieng.
“Nevertheless, we will continue to work to make this a reality so that what has been used for development in Sibu Town in the past can be replaced for our Sibu community here,” he said.
He said this at the Majlis Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri organised by Kelab Melayu Kampung Nyabor (MUC) Sibu at the MUC Hall, Sunday night.
In this regard, Annuar who is also Nangka Assemblyman sought full support not only from Malay associations and NGOs in Sibu, but also the community leaders here as well.
He also said that Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had instructed him (Dr Annuar) to set up a special board for the Al-Qadim Sibu Mosque which is the oldest mosque in Sarawak.
He said people started talking about the mosque since it was renovated as it evoked nostalgia among the community in Sibu.
“So, I have had discussions to set up a special board for the Al-Qadim Sibu Mosque, the process might take time, as it has to go through our Premier.
“After that, it will be brought to the cabinet for approval with regard to the list of the board committees,” he said.
Dr Annuar explained that when the special board for the Al-Qadim Sibu Mosque is established, it will be on par with the Sibu Islamic Welfare Trust Board (Lembaga Amanah Kebajikan Islam Sibu (LAKIS).
“So, with that, the mosque will not be removed or demolished and will remain at its current location forever under the auspices of the special board for the Al-Qadim Sibu Mosque,” he said.
Also present were Temenggung Datuk Wan Hamid Edruce, Sarawak Premier Political Secretary Sayed Azmee Wan Junaidi, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) Deputy Chairman Bujang Zainudin Abdul Majid and Kelab Melayu Kampung Nyabor (MUC) Sibu Chairman Anuar Taha.
