KUCHING: Thirty-one years after the Rajang Area Security Command (Rascom) was dissolved, the Federal Government relinquished and handed back the 3,655.6ha of land that housed its headquarters to Sarawak.
Deputy Premier Datuk Awang Tengah Ali Hasan told the state legislative assembly on Wednesday (Oct 21) that the handover was officially completed in August.
Winding up the debate related to his state Natural Resources and Urban Development Ministry, he said Sarawak could now redevelop the former Rascom area "in a more orderly and comprehensive manner".
This would include establishing resettlement areas in Nanga Jagau and Nanga Tada, he said.
"Through this relinquishment, Sarawak is able to plan, coordinate and implement solutions to issues related to existing longhouse settlements as well as the redevelopment of the area in a more orderly and comprehensive manner.
"These proposals will be coordinated under the planning of the Mid-Rajang Regional Development Agency," he added.
The planning includes the preparation of local plans, road and basic infrastructure improvements and the development of local agricultural and economic industrial potential.
Awang Tengah said this planning "ensures more organised and sustainable development that will meet the needs of the new generation in this area in the future".
Rascom was a joint military and civil security command established by the Federal Government in March 1972 in response to the severe security threat posed by the communist insurgency.
It is located around Mile 10 of Jalan Ulu Oya, about 14km from Sibu town.
