BINTANGOR, June 20: Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) Chairman, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, announced that a total of 131 projects have been successfully implemented, resulting in the construction of 675 units of longhouses and individual homes across Sarawak.
These projects, valued at RM43.642 million, are part of the 436 applications received since 2020, aiming to rebuild longhouses and individual homes destroyed by fire.
“The applications, worth RM130,831,500.00, aim to build a grand total of 2,041 units,” he said during his visit to the Rh. Labang Jawa longhouse in Sungai Tulai, which was destroyed by fire in July 2017.
Uggah stated that the construction of the longhouse, consisting of two separate rows with 17 units each, is currently underway.
He added 101 ongoing projects comprising 683 units and amounting to RM45.770 million, in various stages of construction, additionally, there are 204 pending applications for 683 units, totaling RM41,419,500.00.
“For Sarikei Division, seven projects, including three longhouses named Rh. Paun Balin, Rh. Labang Jawa, and Rh. Jelum Mandaw, as well as four individual homes, have been finished, amounting to 40 units and costing RM2.940 million.
“Four projects for 43 units comprising three longhouses, Rh. Andrew Lawai, Rh. Sally Maling (Merurun, Julau), Rh. Chat (Nanga Bilat, Julau), and an individual home, are currently being implemented, with an estimated cost of RM3.010 million,” he said.
Additionally, SDMC has received four other applications for 43 units, amounting to approximately RM2.035 million.
Uggah emphasised the Sarawak government’s commitment to the welfare of both urban and rural residents.
He noted that the policy to assist fire victims was conceived by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg after 2018.
Uggah also highlighted the presence of socio-economic and welfare programs to address the needs of the people.
During the visit, Uggah, who is also the minister in charge of UNIFOR (Unit for Other Religions), announced a grant of RM30,000 for the upgrade of the longhouse church.
Meradong assemblyman Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing was also present at the event. – TVS
