Build new longhouses on higher ground — Sikie

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Sikie (third left) presents the MRP cheque of RM15,000 to Tuai Rumah Jentang, who received it on behalf of Rh Jentang JKKK. — Photo by Ukas

SELANGAU: New longhouses must be built on  higher ground to prevent damage caused by flooding.

In stating this, Assistant Minister of Native Laws and Customs Datuk John Sikie Tayai said it is important that longhouse folk identify a suitable location that is not susceptible to any disaster like floods.

The Kakus assemblyman said he had received many applications for land-levelling works at the new sites for longhouses.

“This is after their longhouses were prone to flooding, like a big flood that occurred in early 2018 which caused devastating damage to the people’s properties,” he said.

Sikie said in the past before they were linked by road, most of the longhouses were built along the riverbanks which are flood-prone.

On Monday, he continued his visits to several longhouses in Sungai Bawang, Sungai Arip, Sungai Tau and Sungai Anak.

Among the longhouses visited were Rh Sawan, Sungai Bawang; Rh Umpang, Sg Tau; Rh Dicka, Sungai Anak; and Rh Jentang Ansi in Sungai Anak.

In Rh Jentang, Sikie handed over minor rural project (MRP) grant of RM15,000 to the village security and development committee (JKKK) of the longhouse.

Accompanying him during the visits were staff from Tatau District Office and Public Works Department Sibu Division.