Borneo Highlands Resort: Blossoming future awaits as private investors called to participate in revamp initiative

Apr 23, 2024 @ 15:43

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, April 23: Borneo Highlands Resident Club (BHRC) hopes private investors can participate in the revival of the hotel facility and flower garden at this sole hilltop resort in Sarawak which has been taken over by the State government for redevelopment.

BHRC chairman and Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang reminisced about the once alluring flower garden that featured numerous flower species with larger blooms attributed to its elevated location, which served as a prominent tourist attraction.

Expressing confidence in the potential of the resort to emerge as a thriving tourist hub near Kuching city, he highlighted the pristine natural surroundings of the resort.

“The Land Custody Development Authority (LCDA) entrusted to further develop the resort has a masterplan for it. Although I haven’t seen it, but I believe there will be a wellness centre and a new hotel (in the masterplan).

“I believe a lot of things are being planned to revive the resort. With investments to make the resort into a place where people will come, this place will be vibrant again.

“The Sarawak government has now taken over this whole place and I hope…no, I can see the future of Borneo Highlands Resort is very bright,” he told reporters during the Raya Glamping at Borneo Highlands event last Sunday (April 21).

A sea of clouds over the Penrissen range of Borneo Highlands Resort.

Situated atop the Penrissen Range which straddles the Sarawak-Kalimantan border at 1,000 metres above sea level, the Borneo Highlands Resort is cocooned within one of the world’s oldest and second-largest rainforests, spanning approximately 5,000 acres.

It is a botanical paradise where one can enjoy fresh mountain air, spectacular highland sceneries, and a challenging 18-hole golf course meandering through the natural features of the highland plateau.

Despite its allure, the resort had laid dormant for years following the concessionaire’s failure to fulfill development obligations. However, the once-idle space has found new purpose as a glamping destination, catering to outdoor enthusiasts seeking refuge from the urban hustle of the city.

Campers including children enjoying outdoor activities like kite flying and kayaking in the lake at Borneo Highlands Resort on April 20, 2024.

Campers giving kayaking a go in the lake at Borneo Highlands Resort on April 20, 2024.

During the two-day glamping event held over the weekend and organised by Borneo Glamping, tents adorned the green lawn, offering campers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, an experience Lo likened to staying in a hotel.

This time, the event also featured a variety of activities tailored for families and children, giving them a chance to unleash their boundless energy, running and playing freely, their laughter mingling with the gentle breeze and chorus of birdsong.

In this haven of outdoor wonders, they flew kites, paddled kayaks on the lake adorned with yet-to-bloom water lilies, and engaged in lively games around a giant soccer ball, filling the air with cheers.

Campers partake in a barbecue session under the stars.

Campers, including children, enjoying a makeshift outdoor theatre beneath the moonlight at the glamping event.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, families gathered around the flickering flames of the barbecue fire, indulging in food and drinks and enjoying each other’s company.

As the night deepened, families gathered beneath the moonlight and twinkling stars for a special outdoor movie screening, with some campers even bringing along a portable karaoke for a concert in the forest.

Reflecting on the success of another glamping event, Lo encouraged the organiser to continue hosting similar events, whether for team building or family outings, to allow more people to experience the beauty of the highlands. — DayakDaily

Sarawak perlu sistem saliran komprehensif

2024-04-22T19:48:38+08:00

Lo (dua kanan) meyampaikan replika cek dana RTP pembinaan projek jambatan konkrit di Lorong 2, Kampung Tematu kepada Ketua Kaum Kampung Tematu Geofrey Tahang (tiga kiri) hari ini. -Gambar Mohd Faisal Ahmad

Sistem saliran dari kawasan penempatan ke sungai diperlukan bagi tangani isu banjir di negeri ini

Oleh Henrietta Liza

BAU: Sarawak memerlukan sistem saliran dari kawasan penempatan ke sungai yang lebih komprehensif bagi menangani isu banjir yang berlaku di negeri.

Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Batu Kitang Dato Lo Khere Chiang berkata, sebuah sistem saliran yang lebih besar dan lurus terus ke sungai mampu mengatasi isu berkenaan.

“Bagi mengurangkan kejadian banjir berlaku di Kuching dan di seluruh Sarawak, sistem saliran yang besar penting agar air dapat dialirkan terus ke sungai,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika ditemui pemberita selepas mengadakan lawatan projek dan penyerahan Projek Transformasi Luar Bandar (RTP) di Kampung Tematu di sini, hari ini.

Lo pada masa yang sama turut menegaskan agar setiap individu menjalankan tanggungjawab mereka dengan tidak membuang sisa dan sampah ke dalam sungai sehingga menyebabkan saliran air tersumbat.

“Saya ingin mengingatkan kepada orang ramai dan orang kampung secara amnya supaya tidak membuang sampah di dalam sistem saliran air kita sehingga boleh menyebabkan longkang atau parit tersumbat.

“Begitu juga pihak kontraktor dinasihatkan untuk tidak membuang sisa pembinaan secara haram di merata-rata tempat sehingga menjejaskan alam sekitar.

“Kita dapati banyak sisa pembinaan dibuang secara haram di merata-rata tempat. Sisa-sisa ini akan mengalir ke sungai lalu menyebabkan banjir dan masalah-masalah seumpamanya berlaku,” tegasnya.

Sehubungan itu, beliau turut memuji tindakan Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran (JPS) kerana sentiasa membantu mengorek longkang di kawasan kampung sekitar DUN Batu Kitang bagi mengelak kejadian banjir.

Lo ketika ditemui pemberita semalam. -Gambar Mohd Faisal Ahmad

“Di sini memang banjir kerana jalan raya akan dinaiki air sungai. Justeru, saya mahu mengucapkan terima kasih kepada JPS kerana membantu mengurangkan kejadian banjir di sini,” jelasnya.  

JKKK digalak laksana projek pembangunan, naik taraf dalam sesebuah kawasan perkampungan

2024-04-22T20:56:26+08:00

Lo (kanan) melihat pelan projek bersama Biro Pembangunan JKKK Kampung Tematu Stephen Jepeng (kiri) dan Ketua Kaum Kampung Tematu Geofrey Tahang (tengah) di atas jambatan konkrit yang baharu di Lorong 2 Kampung Tematu hari ini.

BAU: Projek pembangunan dan naik taraf dalam sesebuah kawasan perkampungan mendapat galakan bagi dilaksanakan oleh Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung (JKKK) kata Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Batu Kitang Dato Lo Khere Chiang hari ini.

Beliau berkata demikian, berikutan kejayaan pembinaan projek RTP sebuah jambatan konkrit di Lorong 2 Kampung Tematu di sini yang telah dilaksanakan menggunakan kaedah tersebut.

"Dan saya ingin menggalakkan semua kampung di dalam kawasan saya untuk melakukan perkara yang sama. Modus operandi yang sama, kami akan menyediakan dana RTP.

"Jambatan ini dibina bagi menggantikan jambatan kayu yang telah usang berusia 20 tahun di sini. Selalunya digunakan oleh penduduk kampung bagi menjalankan aktiviti pertanian mereka.

"Bagaimanapun, saya melihat potensi selepas adanya jambatan konkrit bernilai RM70,000 ini maka lebih banyak sektor pertanian dalam kawasan tanah berkeluasan 1,500 ekar ini dijadikan kawasan penanaman padi," katanya.

Lo berkata demikian kepada pemberita selepas selesai Majlis Penyerahan Projek RTP di Kampung Tematu, Off Jalan Batu Kitang kepada JKKK Kampung Tematu, pagi tadi.

Maka dengan itu, beliau turut mengusulkan kepada JKKK untuk memohon kepada Jabatan Pertanian Negeri Sarawak bagi pembinaan jalan pertanian sepanjang tiga kilometer.

Tujuannya adalah untuk memperkasakan sosioekonomi penduduk kampung bagi menjalankan aktiviti pertanian secara besar-besaran dan menyokong usaha kerajaan negeri agar Sarawak menjadi bakul makanan Malaysia.

"Kami akan melakukannya. Saya akan pergi bersama JKKK Kampung Tematu untuk berjumpa dengan Jabatan Pertanian bagi membina jalan-jalan pertanian untuk penduduk Kampung Tematu. 

"Dan saya berharap dengan tanah yang luas ini, Jabatan Pertanian juga akan membantu penduduk kampung yang berminat untuk penanaman padi. Saya percaya Kampung Tematu boleh melakukannya," tambahnya kemudian.

Projek pembinaan jalan pertanian sepanjang tiga kilometer itu memerlukan dana sekitar RM500,000.

Lo turut berjanji untuk memberi peruntukan tambahan bernilai RM200,000 kepada JKKK Kampung Tematu bagi melaksanakan beberapa projek RTP yang akan dilaksanakan secara bergotong-royong.

Menerusinya, JKKK Kampung Tematu akan menambah baik dewan, jalan perhubungan, longkang, jambatan dan tembok untuk menambah baik kemudahan infrastruktur bagi meningkatkan keselesaan hidup penduduk di sini.  

https://www.utusanborneo.com.my/2024/04/22/jkkk-digalak-laksana-projek-pembangunan-naik-taraf-dalam-sesebuah-kawasan-perkampungan

Kpg Tematu’s new concrete bridge to facilitate access to 1,500 acres of agriculture land, says rep

April 22, 2024, Monday at 6:32 PM

(Front, from left) Lo, Kampung Tematu ketua kaum Geofrey Tahang and others check out the new concrete bridge. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad

KUCHING (April 22): The recent completion of a concrete bridge at Kampung Tematu here will allow more heavy vehicles to access over 1,500 acres of land across the bridge for agricultural purposes, said Dato Lo Khere Chiang.

Speaking during the symbolic handover of the project today, the Batu Kitang assemblyman said construction began last December and was carried out on a gotong-royong basis by the villagers.

“When the village head met with me previously, I decided to prepare an allocation to construct this concrete bridge to replace the dilapidated wooden bridge that had been in use for over 20 years.

“The old bridge was then demolished to make way for this new one,” he told reporters, adding that RM70,000 under his Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) grant was allocated for the construction of the new bridge.

He also said he will be allocating another RM200,000 in RTP grants to Kampung Tematu for various infrastructure projects.

Meanwhile, Lo said he will work with the Agricultural Department to convert the land across the bridge into a paddy plantation, and will seek to have more roads constructed for ease of transport in the area.

At the same time, he expressed gratitude to the Department of Irrigation and Drainage for periodically flushing the drains in the surrounding areas to minimise the occurrence of floods.

Lo plans to pursue agricultural roads for villagers

MEDIA CONFERENCE... Batu Kitang assemblyman, Datuk Lo Khere Chiang when inspecting the water rope bridge to avoid overflowing flood water in Kampung Tematu, Batu Kitang Kuching yesterday. Photo: Ghazali Bujang

KUCHING: Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang will meet with the Agriculture Department soon to discuss the construction of agricultural roads for the people in Kampung Tematu.

He said this following the completion of the newest bridge in the village.

“This is because in Kampung Tematu, there is a vast piece of land (1,500 acres) that is perfect for rice cultivation.

“We will get assistance from the Agriculture Department, in the form of modern equipment to help the people plant the paddy here.

“I believe the people in Kampung Tematu can do it,” he said here on Monday (April 22).

“I believe with this vast piece of land, we will be able to produce rice between two to three times a year,” he added.

On another note, Lo stated that a total of 50 projects under his constituency have been submitted to the Resident Office.

“At the moment, we are still waiting for the office to call for a meeting for us to go through the projects.”

Lo will also allocate another RM200,000 for other projects in Kampung Tematu as well, and he wants it to be conducted on a gotong-royong basis.

“That being said, I would like to encourage the people within my constituency to carry out projects under the same method (gotong-royong).

“We will provide the RTP fund, and come together to manage and construct the projects,” he said.

The construction of the newest bridge through RM70,000 from Lo’s RTP funding began in December last year and completed this month (April).

https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/lo-plans-to-pursue-agricultural-roads-for-villagers/#google_vignette

Allure of Borneo Highlands charms glampers

Lo (left) with co-founder of Borneo Glamping, Awang Saifeluddin at the event. 

BY GILLVEN MIXCOLLIN

PADAWAN: Glampers who attended the Raya Glamping on Apr 20 to 21. were mesmerised by the breathtaking backdrop of Borneo Highland.

They were also welcomed by Borneo Highland Resident chairman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang who encouraged more people to come visit the Borneo Highlands for a weekend escapade.

“The Raya Glamping @ Borneo Highlands was jointly organised by Borneo Glamping to celebrate the Hari Raya Aidilftri in the serene beauty of Borneo Highlands.

“Borneo Glamping is known for its proactive stance in organising top-tier glamping events in Sarawak and I applaud their efforts as it is in support of highlighting the allure of Borneo Highlands as a premier tourist destination,” he said.

Lo (left), co-founder of Borneo Glamping, Awang Saifeluddin at the event.

He made these remarks during the official launching of Raya Glamping @ Borneo Highlands on Saturday evening.

Lo said the provision of tents and amenities tailored to the Hari Raya Aidilfitri theme provided glampers with an immersive and unforgettable experience.

He also said the programme garnered support from Tourism Malaysia and Sarawak Tourism Board.

“We would also like to extend our appreciation to Jimisar Autotrade for their logistical support and JQB Asia for their commitment green energy,” he said.

https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/allure-of-borneo-highlands-charms-glampers/

Borneo Highlands Resort set for better days

PADAWAN: A masterplan is believed to be in the works to redevelop and revive Borneo Highlands Resort to its glory days.

Chairman of the Borneo Highland Resident Club, Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, believed there is a masterplan in the pipeline for the resort to be revived as an attraction for visitors.

He said the state government has taken over the resort with the Land Custody Development Authority (LCDA) entrusted to make plans on redeveloping the resort in the highlands.

“It is unfortunate the resort did not develop from where it was. It has a golf course and hotels here but it failed to develop as it should.

Datuk Lo Khere Chiang

“However, the state government now has taken over this whole place and, with that, I can see the future of the resort is very bright.”

He said this to the New Sarawak Tribune at the Raya Glamping Event@Borneo Highlands Resort on Sunday morning (Apr 21).

Lo said he would love to see the resort come back to life with its attractions such as the Kalimantan viewpoint and the surrounding flora and fauna.

“We had a nice flower garden before, which was a tourist attraction.

“Because of the cool temperature up here, the flowers are different, they bloom bigger and everything you see seem to be in bigger size.

“It was a tourist attraction back then and I would like to see the flower garden being revived,” said Lo.

The Batu Kitang assemblyman also urged the private sector to come in and invest into Borneo Highlands Resort especially towards improving the attractions here.

“We just need entrepreneurs, people who like flowers to come in and invest to make this business profitable.

“At the same time, we can create an attractive flower garden up in the highlands where everybody can enjoy.”

He noted that the resort is also an attraction for wedding photography, where newlyweds would often take photos against the backdrop of the surrounding nature and beautiful mist in the morning.

“I believe a lot of things are being planned and we just have to go from where we are now and invest in the right place, where people want it and people will come and make this place vibrant again.

“It’s a win-win situation for the investors together with government and this place will be vibrant again like before,” he added.

https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/borneo-highlands-resort-set-for-better-days/#google_vignette

连达立夫：机会很高 . 尼亚申遗 晋审核阶段 - 地方 - 南砂

砂天然资源及城市发展部副部长连达立夫（左）：尼亚国家公园申请列入联合国教科文组织世界遗产已进入最后审核阶段；右为其夫人阿斯雅。

砂副总理拿督阿玛沈桂贤及夫人拿汀阿玛王淑燕（右四及右三）率员向连达立夫夫妇（左四及右二）贺节；左起峇都吉当区州议员拿督罗克强、哥打圣淘沙区州议员叶耀星及砂旅游、创意产业及表演艺术部副部长拿督陈超耀，右为巴达旺市议会主席陈开。

（古晋13日讯）砂天然资源及城市发展部副部长拿督连达立夫表示，尼亚国家公园申请列入联合国教科文组织世界遗产已进入最后审核阶段。

“一旦尼亚国家公园获得联合国教科文组织认证，将成为国内第5个世界遗产。”

连达立夫今日在其开斋节门户开放活动上接受记者访问时说，他近期到巴黎出席联合国教科文组织50个成员国组成的执行委员会初期会议。

“在印度新德里的最终决策中，将涉及全球50个国家及地区（包括尼亚国家公园）申请列入联合国教科文组织世界遗产名录的提名。”

连达立夫说，砂政府是去年为尼亚国家公园申请列入联合国教科文组织世界遗产，目前仍处于该组织的审核阶段。

“虽然有世界多个国家及地区申请，不过，我相信尼亚国家公园获接纳的机会很高。”

砂元首敦旺朱乃迪（左五）、元首后杜潘弗兹雅（左六）、砂总理宜阿邦佐哈里及夫人拿督阿玛祖玛安妮（左三及左四）等为诗巫省开斋节晚宴主持开幕礼。右起为诗巫马来社区最高领袖拿督旺哈密，旅游、艺术及文化部长拿督斯里张庆信，工程部长兼加帛区国会议员亚历山大南达林奇伉俪及砂教育、创新及才能发展部副部长、南甲区州议员兼诗巫省开斋节晚宴筹备会主席安华拉拜伉俪；左一及左二为砂拉越旅游、创意产业及表演艺术部长拿督斯里阿都卡林伉俪。

（诗巫14日讯）砂总理拿督巴丁宜阿邦佐哈里透露，武吉阿瑟区重建计划发展大蓝图已经完成，细节将在2025年第一季度出炉，工程将于2026年正式启动。

“这是一项大型重建计划，工程将分四个阶段进行，预计将在15年内即2040年完成。届时，武吉阿瑟区将是个全新的城镇，也将改变诗巫整体的面貌。这就是我们的发展。”

他昨晚于诗巫省开斋节晚宴上致词时说，在基建发展和城市更新项目下，诗巫的经济将起飞，特别是建筑行业必将蓬勃发展。

他指出，重建计划为诗巫未来的经济发展注入强心针之际，也将衔接和贯通诗巫周边的城镇和腹地，包括加帛。加帛面对交通阻塞的问题，他也与工程部长兼加帛区国会议员拿督斯里亚历山大讨论，尤其是加帛道路和基础建设的事宜。

https://sarawak.sinchew.com.my/news/20240414/sarawak/5531036

Lo praises Indian community’s educational focus

Lo speaking at the programme.

He attributed them to the establishment and activities of various temples that promote discipline and responsibility among youth.

“Consequently, the Indian youth in the community are increasingly committed to their studies, resulting in fewer social problems.

“Moreover, the emphasis on education has led to the emergence of Indian professionals in various fields such as medicine, law, engineering, and accounting, despite the community’s relatively small size,” he said.

He said this during the Hindu Krishnan prayer programme in conjunction with 217th Police Day at the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISCKON Kuching) here last night (Apr 12).

Lo also encouraged other communities and associations in Sarawak to emulate the Indian community’s success

“I would like to encourage everybody else to follow the good work of the Indian community and at the same time encourage our many associations throughout the state of Sarawak to follow the two examples of the Indian community,” he added.

At the event, Lo demonstrated his support for local initiatives by contributing RM1000 to the police association.

https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/lo-praises-indian-communitys-educational-focus/

Group distributes 500 vegetarian food packs to market hawkers, patrons in Kuching

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Lo (front, third left) alongside Prabhu on his right and members of Iskcon Kuching in a photo call

KUCHING (April 7): International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) Kuching distributed 500 packs of vegetarian nasi lemak to the hawkers and patrons at Mile 3 Wet Market here this morning.Joining the group in distributing the food packs were Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang and Iskcon Kuching temple president Kripa Sindhu Krishna Das, who is also known as Prabhu.

Speaking to reporters, Lo expressed amazement that Iskcon Kuching was able to prepare 500 packs of food despite being a small community.

“Even though this community is small, they have the means to prepare the food. This speaks a lot on the community at their centre. They must be blessed, otherwise they wouldn’t be able to provide such a delicious vegetarian food.

“I’ve been joining them in presenting these foods for many years, and every time we come to markets or meet the people, I can see a lot of smiles and happiness from them and this brings happiness to me for the rest of the day – everybody is appreciative of what we do,” he said.

Lo also said the charitable work also promotes vegetarian food, to encourage the public to have less meat so that they will not have to face various health problems and diseases.

“I would say yes, we should eat less meat because even animals have lives, so we should go for vegetarian food which is healthy as well.“A lot of times, we get to see people having heart disease, cholesterol problems, all kinds of (health) problems. I guess if we take less meat, we (will) have less health problems,” he added.

Meanwhile, Prabhu expressed his gratitude to Lo for supporting Iskcon Kuching’s charitable works such as the distribution of the food packs.

“We believe that God gives us everything, and the moment we share our things to other people, God gives us more. The more we keep the more we lose, the more we give the more we get. That is the concept.“So, what we are giving today are healthy vegetarian food. Nowadays, many people are having health issues so in another way, it is also promoting vegetarian food as diet food.

Aside from markets, Prabhu said they also distribute the food to charitable organisations and centres such as Sarawak Cheshire Home, Kuching Blind Centre, and old folks homes.

    

https://www.theborneopost.com/2024/04/07/group-distributes-500-vegetarian-food-packs-to-market-hawkers-patrons-in-kuching/

慰问甘榜哈芝峇基灾黎 . 花蒂玛移交援金给8户

花蒂玛阿都拉（左）在峇都吉当区州议员罗克强（左二）陪同下，移交援助金给灾黎。

（古晋3日讯）砂妇女、儿童及社区和谐部长拿督斯里花蒂玛阿都拉今日慰问甘榜哈芝峇基火灾灾黎后，移交总额3万4100令吉的砂社会福利局灾难类别援助金给8户灾黎家庭。

她今日在峇都吉当区州议员拿督罗克强及砂社会福利局局长阿达纳等陪同下，到来慰问灾黎。

学生享额外援助

花蒂玛阿都拉稍后在新闻发布会上说，当局是根据灾黎家庭成员人数和他们的年龄层进行援助。如果灾黎中有在籍学生，政府就会提供额外援助，如校服或文具等。

“砂社会福利局会对灾黎进行例行调查，以便能更准确给予灾黎援助。灾黎所获得的援助包括现金援助、食物供应、寝具及建筑材料等。”

在房屋方面，花蒂玛阿都拉说，砂政府也津贴暂时居住在兰迪人民住房计划（PPR）的大部分房租。

“峇都吉当区州议员拿督罗克强也已与砂房屋发展局交涉，在兰迪人民住房计划下为灾黎提供租屋供暂时居住。灾黎只需付50令吉，砂政府将提供200令吉租金辅助，直到新屋建好为止。”

https://sarawak.sinchew.com.my/news/20240403/sarawak/5507435

Fatimah: State govt to rebuild, repair houses destroyed in Kpg Haji Baki fire

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Fatimah (seated, cerntre) together with Lo (standing, fourth right) and the victims of the fire at the Kampung Haji Baki community hall this morning. – Photo by Roystein Emmor

KUCHING (April 3): The four houses in Kampung Haji Baki here that were totally destroyed by fire on March 22 will be rebuilt with the allocation from the state government of RM70,000 for each of the houses, said Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.

The Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister said state government will channel the allocation to fund the construction material and labour costs of rebuilding the houses.

“The project will be managed by the Resident’s Office and the contractor will be selected by JKR (Public Works Department) based on a pre-approved design,” said Fatimah during a press conference today..

She added that the location of the four houses will be further deliberated between the homeowners and Resident’s Office as some of them might prefer to rebuild their homes elsewhere.

“However, keep in mind that the construction of these homes will take time,” said Fatimah, adding that she has also explained to the homeowners on what to expect on the time frame of the construction.

As for the other four houses that were partially damaged during the incident, she said the state government, will also be assisting the houseowners to repair their homes.

Fatimah revealed that at the moment, the fire victims are still staying with their relatives and the state government has also offered the People’s Housing Scheme Flat in Landeh, Padawan to them.

“Each unit will be rented for only RM50 and the remaining rent of RM200 will be subsidised by the state government,” she said, adding that this is the best offer that anyone can get.

Earlier, Fatimah handed over assistance totalling RM34,100 to eight of the households for their living expenses.

Also present at the press conference and handing of assistance were Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang, local community leaders and three of the Kampung Haji Baki village chiefs.

https://www.theborneopost.com/2024/04/03/fatimah-state-govt-to-rebuild-repair-houses-destroyed-in-kpg-haji-baki-fire/

State to fund four new homes for fire victims

Fatimah (right) speaks during press conference. Photo: Ghazali Bujang

KUCHING: The Sarawak government has allocated RM70,000 through the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) for the construction of four new homes to aid families affected by the fire in Kampung Haji Baki on March 22.

Women, Childhood, and Community Well-being Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the assistance is meant for individuals whose homes were completely destroyed in the incident.

She said this is also a long-term solution undertaken by the government in the interest of the victims who require more comfortable living spaces.

As such, Fatimah assured that all related processes would be handled by the resident’s office.

“I am grateful that this matter has been handled well, and the victims have visited the Land and Survey Department to obtain land ownership information.

“Therefore, we hope the victims can understand that the process of building these houses will take some time,” she said.

She told reporters this after handing over a disaster relief cheque to the fire victims at the Kampung Haji Baki Community Hall today.

On the same note, Fatimah assured that proactive measures have been taken to address immediate housing needs, with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) stepping in to provide subsidised rental units at the Landeh People’s Housing Project (PPR).

She added that Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang has communicated with the HDC and that five units are available for rental purposes for fire victims who are staying with family members or close relatives.

“I have also explained to the fire victims that the construction period for new homes will take quite a long time.

“So, there are five units available for rent. Four have been arranged for victims who lost their homes completely.

“However, one more victim whose house was not completely destroyed will have to apply for a rental. I suggest this family also rents for their overall comfort,” she said.

Towards this end, Fatimah said they (fire victims) are assisted by the government in terms of rent, where they only pay RM50 while the government subsidies RM200.

She added that this support will allow them to transition to rented accommodation post-Eid celebrations, where they can reside and pay rent subsidised by the government until their new homes are completed.

In addition, she said, other assistance totalling RM34,100 has also been distributed under the state JKM disaster relief programme, including food, daily clothing, school uniforms, school supplies, bedding, kitchen equipment, as well as construction material aid.

https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/state-to-fund-four-new-homes-for-fire-victims/