SUPP against Kuching redelineation plan

KUCHING: The Youth wing of the Sarawak United People’s Party is against the state’s proposal to redelineate the boundaries of Kuching’s three local authorities.

Its leader, Sih Hua Tong, said the government should first consult the three local authorities and Barisan Nasional component parties before making any decision on the matter.

The three authorities are Kuching City South Council, Kuching City North Commission and Padawan Municipal Council.

Sih said it was more practical for the government to offer more funds to the councils to increase their capabilities and amenities.

State Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman said on Friday that under the redelineation exercise, the government planned to place some new growth areas in the Padawan municipality under the jurisdictions of City South Council and City North Commission.

The new boundaries might be implemented next year.

He said Batu Kawa, which has become a booming new township, would come under the City South Council while part of Matang Jaya and Telaga Ai would be placed under the City North Commission.

Daud said the move was to get the two city authorities to ease the burden of the Padawan municipality.

Padawan Municipal Council chairman Tan Joo Phoi said it had objected to the proposed redelineation.

He said the council stood to lose about RM2mil a year or nearly 10% of its annual revenue if Batu Kawa and parts of Matang Jaya and Telaga Ai were taken away.

“The redelineation should be mutually beneficial.” The Padawan council serves 306,000 residents.

The City South Council and City North Commission administer 62 sq km and 369 sq km and serve a population of 143,000 and 133,000 respectively.