‘Malay villages sacrificed for devt must be rebuilt’
SIBU: Malay villages that were sacrificed to give way to development in the town area in the past must be rebuilt at a new location.
In stating this, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dr Annuar Rapa’ee said these villages are Kampung Nyabor, Kampung Pulo Berendam, Kampung Pulo and Kampung Pak Sanyut.
“I am trying to apply to the state government so that the villages can be rebuilt at a new location although we cannot confirm the location at the moment.
“Nevertheless, we will continue to work to make this a reality so that what has been used for development in the town can be replaced for our local community,” he said when officiating at Kampung Nyabor Malay Union Club (MUC) Hari Raya gathering on Sunday night.
According to Dr Annuar, majority of the villagers were resettled at Kampung Bandung and Kampung Barieng.
In this regard, the Nangka assemblyman sought full support from Malay associations, nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and local community leaders.
He also said that Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had instructed him to set up a special board for the Al-Qadim Mosque, which is the oldest mosque in Sarawak.
He said the mosque has been the talk of the town after its renovation and has become a source of nostalgic memories for the local community.
“We had discussed the setting up of the board. The process is a bit long because it has to go through the premier.
“After that, it will be brought to the cabinet for approval of the list of board committees,” he said.
Dr Annuar explained that when the board is successfully established, it will be on par with the Sibu Welfare Trust Board (Lakis).
“So, the mosque will not be demolished and moved again and will be placed under the purview of the board,” he said.
Also present were Sibu MUC Club Chairman Anuar Taha, Temenggong Datuk Wan Hamid Edruce, Sibu Municipal Council (MPS) deputy chairman Bujang Zainuddin Abdul Majid and a political secretary to Sarawak Premier, Sayed Azmee Wan Junaidi.