Karim: No approval was given to build houses in Kampung Datu

September 3, 2013

RAIN OR SHINE: Mat Saat (right) and other villagers keep a watchful eye on the piling works at Kampung Datu.

SIBU: A pile-driver was at Kampung Datu yesterday morning to lay the foundation for the reconstruction of houses razed by a huge fire on June 19, 2013.

The work began at 10.30am even though it was raining. House owner Mat Saat Bujang and several villagers stood nearby watching.

Mat Saat’s nephew Ramze Ibrahim claimed they had secured permission to rebuild their houses.

However, Assistant Minister of Youth Development Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who heads the committee to look into the re-development of Kampung Datu, said he was unsure who had given them the approval.

“From my record, there is none. All I know is that the area forms part of a development plan for Sibu, which was planned even before the fire.

“We can’t stop the registered owners from rebuilding their houses on the site, but it is advisable for them to check on the future planning for the area,” Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman, said.

Mat Saat said he would submit the building plan to the local authority upon completion of his house in a couple of months’ time. He said he was in a hurry to complete the house.

“I am currently renting a house in Kampung Bandong, and the rental is exorbitant,” he said, adding that he had instructed the contractor to pile 14 beams within a day.

Prior to the piling of the first beam, he inserted a piece of gold into the ground for good ‘Feng Shui’.

“I learned this from a Foochow friend many years ago.

“It is believed that this will also reinforce the structure,” he said.

He estimated his new house to cost RM270,000.

Fire victim Deahiry Usai, 65, said he would start rebuilding his house once he had saved enough.

“I need money to buy wooden materials for the reconstruction,” he said.

On Sunday morning, several Kampung Datu fire victims held a thanksgiving ceremony at the site of their former houses.

The June 19 inferno destroyed 60 houses in Kampung Datu/Hilir.

Some 60 families are temporarily putting up in Sibu Jaya, 20 in Rantau Panjang and the rest staying with their families.

Last Tuesday, Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said a committee had been formed to look into the redevelopment of Kampung Datu.