New township proposed for Sekuau, development to include new housing

SELANGAU (March 30): A new township has been proposed in Sekuau, said Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang.

He said development of the new township will include the construction of new terraced houses to meet residents’ housing needs and stimulate local economic growth.

“We want Sekuau to become a model for organised and competitive rural development in Sarawak.

“With proper planning, this area can serve as a benchmark for the entire Tamin constituency,” he said at the launching of the Tinting Pegari Sekuau village security and development committee (JKKK) at Rumah Saong Dominic Daud in Sekuau here on Saturday.

More than 100 longhouse chiefs in Tamin state constituency attended the launching, which also gathered community leaders from Sekuau, Selangau, Ili Oya Tajam, Siong, Lemai, and other parts of the constituency.

“The presence of over 100 longhouse chiefs today is not just a number as it symbolises unity, strength, and the people’s confidence in the development direction of Tamin constituency,” Gira said.

“This strong backing sends a clear message that the people want development to proceed without interruption.”

He said the recent change of Sekuau land status from federal to state land was proof of the Sarawak government’s ability to resolve longstanding policy issues that have previously hindered rural development.

According to him, several high impact infrastructure projects will be implemented in Tamin.

“Among them is the construction of Ulu Oya Road with an allocation of RM60 million under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, which is expected to be tendered out in May 2026.

“In addition, the Nanga Pakoh to Rumah Ronnie road will be extended with a RM200 million allocation from the Sarawak government, which has already completed the survey process,” he said.

Gira added the SK Pakoh to Ulu Bunau road project, valued at RM160 million under Mid Rajang Regional Development Agency (MiRRDA), will serve as a key catalyst for development in the upper riverine areas, particularly in strengthening the agricultural sector such as oil palm and improving connectivity.

He added RM300 million has been allocated through MiRRDA for the development of former Rajang Area Security Command (Rascom) resettlements with Sekuau as among the primary focus areas.

He also presented 52 Minor Rural Project (MRP) fund cheques totalling RM590,000 to parent‑teacher associations, places of worship, and JKKKs.

For Tinting Pegari Sekuau JKKK, he announced an RM27,000 MRP grant as well as RM100,000 worth of construction materials under the Sarawak Poor Home Improvement Project (PPRMS).

Among those present were Senator Rita Sarimah Patrick Insol, Selangau District Officer Yalin Assan, and Sibu Rural District Council chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai.