KUCHING: Three families living in old kampung-style houses along Lorong Kedandi, Tabuan Jaya, have lost access to their original entry and exit route after the landowner fenced up the land for development.
According to George Lam, special assistant to Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, the families’ previous access road ran through private land that did not belong to them.
“After receiving their request for help, I conducted a land search and confirmed that the road they had been using was not within their land boundary. Any proper access road must be built within their own land to avoid encroachment,” he said.
Lam said the families, who include elderly residents and a stroke patient dependent on a wheelchair, are now facing serious difficulties as vehicles cannot reach their homes. A makeshift path using broken bricks has been laid, but it only allows pedestrian access.
“This situation has caused tremendous inconvenience, especially for those who require regular visits to clinics or hospitals,” he added.
Given that the families come from low-income backgrounds and cannot afford road construction costs, Lam said the DAP Bandar Kuching Parliamentary Constituency Service Centre will step in to help.
“We will assist in reinforcing the temporary path and upgrading it into a proper access road suitable for vehicles. This will not only make daily access more convenient but also ensure faster response during emergencies,” he said.
Lam also urged local authorities not to overlook old kampung-style houses within the city while focusing on modern development.
“Some families have lived on inherited land for generations but lack the means to develop basic infrastructure. The local government should provide assistance when necessary so they too can enjoy fundamental facilities,” he said.
By Connie Chieng