The landowners hold their respective cheques during a photocall with Awang Tengah (fifth right), Mussen (fourth left) and others.
BETONG: More than RM3 million in compensation money were given to 143 affected landowners during a simple ceremony held at the Resident’s Office here yesterday.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan presented cheques to the landowners to compensate them for land taken by the government to build the Ijok-Lempaong-Batu Pesok-Rantau Layang, and Perdu Spak roads.
He said the Sarawak government worked out the compensation based on the current market price of land.
“I would also like to thank the landowners for their understanding of the need for development that requires the government to take their land,” he said.
He also said with the current changing political environment, the Sarawak government had to take over several development projects that were approved by the previous federal government.
“We, under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government, will take over the projects for the benefit of Sarawakians. Only Sarawakians can take care of Sarawak,” he added.
Assistant Minister of Industries and Investment Malcolm Mussen Lamoh and Betong Resident Friday Belik were also present at the function.