SELANGAU; The issue of land ownership in the Nanga Sekuau Resettlement Scheme (SPS) will be resolved promptly through coordination between the federal and state governments, says Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that the land in question, which was established during the Rajang Security Command (Rascom) era, was funded by the Federal Government and is currently undergoing coordination efforts.
“When the process is completed, the state government will be able to distribute the land to residents as promised, including for development and basic infrastructure,” he said at the Nanga Sekuau Resettlement Scheme Golden Jubilee celebration on Saturday (May 17).
Fadillah, who also chairs the MK63 Technical Committee, emphasised that resolving the land issue is a prerequisite for implementing projects such as police stations, clinics, and schools.
“I will personally examine the status of the land and escalate the matter to the highest level,” he added.
Reflecting on the history of the area, Fadillah explained that the Nanga Sekuau SPS was established in the 1970s as part of the Rascom security strategy to counter the threat posed by the North Kalimantan Communist Party (PKKU), a strategy inspired by Malaysia’s second Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak.
“Residents, particularly the Iban community, were relocated as part of efforts to strengthen security and provide infrastructure. Even special forces such as the F-Team were involved,” he said.
Fadillah also expressed his support for a proposal to erect a memorial monument, similar to the one in Kanowit, to honour the services of residents in combating the communist threat.
“I support the idea in principle. With a complete proposal paper, we can bring the matter to a higher level,” he said.
He further announced an allocation of RM560,000 for the renovation of longhouses, involving more than 600 doors, as well as RM1.3mil for the construction of a new multipurpose hall.
He added that the water treatment plant project in the area is currently in the tender process and will be closely monitored to ensure its swift implementation.
“This Golden Jubilee celebration marks the beginning of more robust development in this area,” he concluded.
