KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan said yesterday that it was possible for the Bako landowners to have direct involvement in the development projects in the Bako area.
“It is a fair request if they want to be involved (in the development project). We have done it (a similar case) in Miri, this is not the first time.
“We can do it if they really have the interest. But they must dare to take the risk because every business venture is risky,” he told a press conference at Kuching International Airport.
Dr Chan, who is Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president, said he was willing to meet the Bako landowners.
“I’ve yet to meet them. But, if they want to meet me, then I’ll meet them,” he added.
He said he believed that the state government would give a fair deal to the Bako landowners in terms of compensation.
“Everybody wants more, but I always promise that we will give a fair deal,” he said when commenting on the displeasure of Bako landowners, who last Saturday called a meeting to set up a committee to demand higher compensation rates from the government.
The landowners believed that the compensation rates indicated by the Land and Survey Department during an enquiry session on Oct 4 were far lower than the current market value.
The department pledged to pay RM40,000 per acre for land leases issued before 1973 and RM80,000 per acre for those issued after 1973.
However, some Bako landowners claimed that their properties were worth RM200,000 per acre, thus demanded higher compensation rates to match the market value.