BAU: The Sarawak Government has continued its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of landowners with the disbursement of RM4.07 million in land compensation for the upgrading of the Musi-Buso Road in Bau.

The compensation cheques were presented by Deputy Minister for Transport Datuk Henry Harry Jinep at a ceremony held here on Monday.

The Tasik Biru Assemblyman expressed his appreciation to the Kuching Division Land and Survey Department for its continued efforts in ensuring that the preparation and disbursement of compensation were carried out in an orderly and smooth manner.

He said the payment of more than RM4 million represents the initial phase, while the remaining compensation, estimated at over RM7 million, is currently being processed and is expected to be disbursed before the Chinese New Year celebration.

He also thanked all affected landowners for their full cooperation since the early stages of the project, which has enabled the road upgrading works to commence ahead of schedule.

Datuk Henry added that the government aims to complete the project in about two years, subject to current conditions.

Meanwhile, Kuching Division Land and Survey Superintendent Awang Nazri Awang Saperi said that the project involves 45 land lots with a total area of 6.6075 hectares.

He said the first phase of compensation involved payments amounting to RM4,070,679.70, which were disbursed to 78 recipients.

“The project to upgrade the Musi-Buso Road was approved by the State Planning Authority on 23 November 2023, with the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) acting as the implementing agency,” he explained.

Also present at the ceremony were representative of Bau District Officer Saffika Kueh, Secretary of Bau District Council Ong Chin Ping and Temenggong of the Kuching Division Bidayuh Community Atok Derop. -UKASnews