SUNGAI SIPUT: A total of 2,750 projects in Chinese and Indian new villages nationwide have been completed over the past three years, says Nga Kor Ming.
The Housing and Local Government Minister said these projects were carried out in 613 new villages under the ministry’s Chinese and Indian New Villages Division with a total allocation of RM325.3mil.
“This includes 1,786 basic facilities and infrastructure projects, 902 rundown houses that have been repaired, 62 new houses that have been completed and more than 2,300 solar-powered LED streetlights installed,” he told reporters after the Sentuhan Kejayaan Kampung Baru 2025 programme at Kg Baru Simpang Jalong here yesterday.
On another matter, Nga said mayoral elections are not new in Malaysia, having been practised before they were postponed decades ago.
“This was done before the Malaysia-Indonesia Confrontation but many have forgotten our history,” he said.
Nga pointed out that a Royal Commission led by the late Senator Janaky Athi Nahappan, one of the earliest women involved in the fight for Malaysian independence, had once studied the matter.
“A report was prepared, recommending local government elections but due to the Confrontation, it was postponed temporarily. However, the ‘temporary’ pause has lasted 50 years,” he said.
Meanwhile, resident Chan Fook Yan is looking forward to starting the Year of the Horse with a fresh chapter.
The 71-year-old will be celebrating the coming Chinese New Year in a brand new house.
Chan could not contain her happiness after years of staying in a dilapidated wooden house.
“This is more than just a house. It is a long awaited dream that finally came true,” she said.
Chan has been staying in her rundown wooden house for over 40 years.
“Over the years, it began to crumble with the roof leaking badly.
“I am so happy that my plight was looked into and a new concrete house was built,” she said.
Chan lives in the house with two of her sons, aged 26 and 31.
Her husband died five years ago.
The new house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a kitchen.
“I have received food hampers and other necessities as well,” she said.
