Wong wants developers to build houses in Bawang Assan

SIBU: Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh hopes to encourage the private sector to build affordable houses in his constituency.

He said this would augur well for those who could not buy houses in the town besides helping to ease congestion.

“I try to encourage the private sector to do housing in my area because firstly, it is timely and furthermore, the land across the river is much, much cheaper and they can build affordable houses for those, who could not afford to buy houses in town.

“Land is cheaper as you know, and there is no more bridge toll, while there is electricity and water supply; they (developers) can have housing development on the other side. In fact, just last night (Friday), I talked to one contractor - he has built about 200 over houses at mile eight Oya Road here, and selling between RM170,000 and RM200,000 single-storey.

“This is really affordable, particularly for the younger generation,” Wong, who is Second Finance Minister told reporters after officiating at the soft-opening of the general office, multipurpose hall and parsonage of Iban Methodist Church at Fong Ming Road here yesterday.

Adding on, he hoped to encourage some of the developers to the west bank of the river to develop such housing estates, where people from the town could also purchase them.

He also said the main road leading to Tanjung Manis, particularly to Sungai Maaw Road was being raised due to sinking problem.

He noted people who travelled along the road, found it difficult to cross, particularly during high tide or during rainy days as certain portions of the road were submerged.

“So, at the moment, works are going on – raising the level of the road – quite a substantial stretch of the road is being raised at the moment,” Wong said.