Four traditional Malay villages in Sibu to be revived
SIBU: Four traditional Malay villages here – Kampung Pulo, Kampung Pulau Berandam, Kampung Pak Sanyut, and Kampung Nyabor – which now form part of the town will be revived.
Assistant Minister of Science Research and Biotechnology Dr Annuar Rapaee said the villages, which no longer exist, were among the very few first Malay settlements here.
The Nangka assemblyman said the state government has been asked for land to revive the four villages, which have great historical value.
“These four villages paved the way for the development of the town, and so, I think it is high time for us to look for land to set up these villages. They are among the few early settlement areas in Sibu – not only among the Malays but the whole community in Sibu.
“In fact, take for instance, Kampung Pulau Berandam, where the former Lau King Howe Hospital was situated – it existed even before the arrival of James Brooke in 1841. That is why we want them to be revived,” he said after officiating at the Sibu Malay Community Association’s dinner on Friday.
Dr Annuar said he supported Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg’s decision for the state government to introduce measures to ensure the Malay community will preserve their land in urban areas.
“I agree with CM that we must preserve the land belonging to the Malay community and ensure that they are not transferable,” he said in reference to Kampung Datu and Kampung Hilir.
He said there is no point for the Malay community to own land in prime areas if left undeveloped.
“It does not yield any economic value to the Malay community,” he said.
He added that any masterplan or proposal to develop Sibu town must involve all communities.
“In that way, not only can it create a conducive environment for all communities but also the participation of all communities in economic development,” he said.
Meanwhile, association chairman councillor Rabek Ali Hamid said the association, which was set up two years ago, is still recruiting members.
“The key objective of this gathering is to strengthen rapport among our members,” he said.
Among those present were association secretary Mohd Safree Mohd, councillor Jimmy De Rozario and Sibu/Mukah division Special Affairs Department (Jasa) officer Awang Julaihi Awang Ali Borhan.