Nangka rep denies govt taking away villagers’ land in Kg Baharu, Kg Datu Lama, and Kg Hilir

Dr Annuar (standing third left) with members of the JKKKs.

By William Isau

SIBU, Nov 27: Nangka assemblyman Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee has clarified that the government is not taking away people’s land in Kampung Baharu, Kampung Datu Lama, and Kampung Hilir.

His clarification comes following allegations by certain people.

Dr Annuar said the land was procured by the government through Section 48 of the Sarawak Land Code for infrastructure development projects.

He stressed that without acquiring the land, project implementation would not be possible.

“It is not acquired permanently. But the government has to acquire the land because the money used to develop the infrastructure is from the government.

“How can the government enter the land (and implement the infrastructure development project) if it is private land?” he said during the appreciation ceremony for the Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKs) under Nangka State constituency yesterday.

He said that there are 179 units of houses to be built in Kampung Datu Lama, Kampung Baharu and Kampung Hilir.

“The government builds proper infrastructure and houses on the land and then will give the land back to the owner,” he stressed.

Dr Annuar also dismissed rumours that villagers must use their own money to relocate to Kampung Datu Baru, emphasising the government’s commitment that villagers will not incur any costs.

“The government never said it. I also never said it but the issue is played up by certain parties claiming that those asked to relocate to Kampung Datu Baru will have to pay a certain amount,” he said.

In line with this, he urged the JKKKs involved to explain the matter to the people so that no future misunderstandings between the government and the people, will affect the project. — DayakDaily