Latest news with #StampinResettlementScheme


Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
DAP Sarawak backs development, questions practicality of KIA relocation
KUCHING (May 29): The Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak is not against any development for the prosperity of Sarawak, said Michael Kong. The special assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, said this in response to recent remarks from Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap, urging him to engage with the legitimate questions raised by Chong regarding the cost and practicality of relocating the proposed multi-billion-ringgit Kuching International Airport (KIA) to Tanjung Embang. 'Yap's dismissive remarks once again show SUPP (Sarawak United People's Party)'s true colours – more interested in cheerleading for GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) than genuinely scrutinising public expenditure or looking after the people's interest. 'This is classic SUPP behaviour. When it comes from GPS, they clap; when it is from DAP Sarawak, they shoot it down,' he said in a statement. Kong clarified that Chong was questioning the cost, location, and long-term impact of relocating the KIA to Tanjung Embang – a site that would require travellers to endure up to two hours of travel (considering traffic and distance) just to catch a flight. He added that this would force travellers to leave their homes at least three hours before flight time. 'We must learn from examples like Kuala Lumpur, where in 2020 alone, traffic congestion was estimated to cost the nation RM20 billion annually, including losses in productivity, fuel and health-related costs due to pollution. 'Are we heading down the same road?' Stressing that DAP was not opposing merely for the sake of it, Kong said the party was proposing realistic, people-friendly alternatives. One of such proposals, he pointed out, would be relocating the Air Force base currently adjacent to KIA, which could free up valuable land for terminal expansion and facility upgrades at the existing location. 'This is not a radical idea, as similar moves have been done before. 'The Air Force base at Sungai Besi was successfully relocated to pave the way for Bandar Malaysia, proving that such strategic decisions can yield high-value outcomes. 'Expanding KIA in its current location would be far more cost-effective than building a new airport from scratch. 'On top of that, it will allow surrounding areas like Mile 7, Jalan Sungai Tapang, and Stampin Resettlement Scheme to benefit from the economic spillover.' He added that efforts could be made to develop Tanjung Embang into a vibrant ecotourism destination, complementing Muara Tebas and Asajaya.


Borneo Post
16-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Stampin Resettlement Scheme recreation park set for further upgrades
Yap (second left) in discussion with MBKS officers on the scope of works and bill of quantities for the park's latest RTP project. KUCHING (May 16): The recreation park at Lorong 2, Stampin Resettlement Scheme here is set to undergo further upgrading through an allocation of RM100,000. Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap said the upgrade, funded through his Rural Transformation Project (RTP) allocation, follows the successful completion of an RTP initiative nine months ago at the same park, involving the construction of a futsal court. 'The new allocation of RM100,000 will fund the construction of a new pickleball court, a spectator platform for the futsal court, and the installation of new exercise equipment for park visitors to enjoy,' he said yesterday. 'The addition of a pickleball court, improved viewing areas, and modern exercise equipment will encourage a healthier and more active lifestyle among residents.' Yap, who earlier visited the park with Kuching South City Council (MBKS) officers to oversee the implementation of the new project, said he has also requested the council to assist in repainting the surface of the futsal court. He explained that the court surface has experienced significant wear-and-tear due to over-usage since its completion. The assemblyman said the approval of RTP projects is part of his efforts to deliver systematic and people-centred development in Kota Sentosa, providing accessible, high-quality public amenities for the local community. He also expressed his gratitude to MBKS for their cooperation in facilitating the smooth implementation of the RTP projects, and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that government allocations directly benefit the community. lead RTP stampin resettlement scheme upgrading Wilfred Yap