SIBU: The Sibu Melayu-Melanau Bersatu (MBB) Association has received RM1.28 million to fund major redevelopment works on its hall at Kampung Hilir here.
Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing Dr Annuar Rapa’ee announced the allocation for the people-oriented project during a dinner gathering hosted by the association here on Friday.
“The committee (under the association) would decide whether they want to rebuild the hall, or renovate the place, but my suggestion would be to rebuild it, in view of the substantial allocation received from the Chief Minister (Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg).
Dr Annuar (sixth right) hands over the mock cheque for RM1.28 million to Abang Abdul Hamid, as Wan Hamid (eighth right), Jimmy (12th right) and others look on.
“Furthermore, it’s easier to rebuild the hall than to renovate or repair it. Anyway, the committee will discuss with Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), the implementing agency, on the best way to go about redeveloping the hall,” he told reporters when met after the dinner, which also hosted local Malay community leader Temenggong Datuk Wan Hamid Edruce Tuanku Mohamad, MMBSibu Association chairman Abang Abdul Hamid Abang Bolhasan and Councillor Jimmy De Rozario.
Dr Annuar, who is Nangka assemblyman, said the project should take between six and eight months to reach completion – depending on how fast both parties could agree on the building design.
It is said that the association was established in Nov 14, 1954, with the objective of upholding and preserving the unity among members of the Malay-Melanau community.