The visitors in a group-photo with Uggah (centre).
KUCHING: Twenty of the 63 families squatting at the Chawan Road SDNU cemetery site here have indicated that they are ready to move to Batu Gong in Siburan.
However, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas says the Sarawak government is still identifying more suitable resettlement sites for them.
“The Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari (Tun Openg) has, for a start, allowed them to move to Batu Gong area in Siburan near here. We are also studying another option that is the low-cost housing,” he said after receiving the courtesy call by three Iban longhouse chieftains and their committee members yesterday.
The group was led by Tuai Rumah Adi Jaya, Tuai Rumah Ajun Lasu and Tuai Rumah Moses Iba Dagang from the Taman Malihah and Taman Alamanda areas.
“We would like to know the real reasons why there are those who preferred to stay put,” questioned Uggah. I have been told some of them are working at nearby factories and their children are studying at nearby schools. Financial constraint is the other reason.
“But the place they are occupying now is a cemetery belonging to the Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU).
“A cemetery is not a proper place to stay in or to raise their children for the long haul. So I hope our community leaders could continue to convince them to relocate.”
On another matter Uggah, who is Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Minister, suggested that urban Dayaks who had empty land in their compound to go into modern farming like fertigation and hydroponics, as these would not require much space.
“You can grow crops like chillies, native vegetables or ginger – these have good market demands. The womenfolk can pool their resources together to take up some cottage industry activities. All these can generate supplementary incomes,” he said.
Uggah added that the government had planned to set up an agropark in Samarahan, where interested farmers could rent plots for farming.
He said those interested could check with the Agriculture Department for whatever assistance and other details.
Meanwhile in his speech, Tuai Rumah Adi said the Kuching Iban community leaders were very happy with Uggah’s leadership.
“He had shown himself to be a most approachable leader, who cares a lot for our wellbeing.”
He added that the purpose of the visit was to invite Uggah to be the guest-of-honour at two fundraising dinners, this Oct 25 and Nov 8, hosted by the group.