RM50 mln slated for erosion-prevention project in Lawas

LAWAS (Dec 17): The Sarawak government has approved RM50 million for the construction of a barrier to prevent riverbank erosion at Kampung Mission here, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

The Bukit Sari assemblyman said a resettlement project had also been approved for implementation to save the village from being further affected by the erosion of Sungai Lawas.

He stressed that it had become a priority for the state government to assist villagers affected from natural disasters that cannot be curbed.

“Kampung Mission has its history, especially for the Sidang Injil Borneo (SIB) Christians. This village has sentimental value as the centre of SIB’s early development.

“The state government has approved the resettlement of the village as announced at the Limbang Division Development Action Committee meeting two days ago,” he said at the district-level pre-Christmas event in Lawas last weekend.

Kampung Mission in Lawas has existed since the colonial era in the 19th century, and was established by Christian missionaries.

Also present were Awang Tengah’s wife, Limbang Resident Yunus Tambi, Northern Region Development Agency director Datu Ubaidillah Latip and Lawas district officer Ladin Atok.