OYA: Various facilities will be constructed at the Oya Kaul Site to further improve its tourism value and provide amenities for the local community.
According to Sarawak Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, one of the initiatives includes the extension of the sea retaining wall of Kuala Hilir Oya Beach, to be carried out under the Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA).
She mentioned that among the components of this project are the construction of a 230-metre rock armour revetment structure and a 300-metre-long walkway extension.
Additionally, plans include the construction of a jetty for fishermen to dock their boats and bench lights with an estimated budget of RM4 million.
"To ensure that visitors coming to this Kaul site are not just one-off during this festival but remain engaged throughout the year, we acknowledge the need to enhance the existing facilities here.
"So, we intend to build a food court serving seafood similar to the one in Melaka.
"We will also construct a permanent main stage with a roof, a multipurpose hall for children's activities or departmental team-building programmes, and so on,” she said.
She said this during the Inauguration Ceremony of the Oya Kaul Festival 2024 and the sea retaining wall of Kuala Hilir Oya Beach on Sunday.
The event was graced by the Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar along with his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Also present was Tellian assemblyman, Royston Valentine.
Furthermore, Dato Sri Fatimah added that a fully equipped business site with various facilities will also be provided, including a wedding pool, landscaping, toilets, and a ‘Teba Tuanku’ replica or Tuanku's well, with a total estimated cost of RM4 million.
She mentioned that an additional RM1.2 million is required to build a surau in the area for praying purposes.
Also, the Dalat assemblywoman said that the retaining wall project of Kuala Hilir Oya Beach plays a crucial role for the residents of the village and its surroundings.
She explained that the wall ensures that Kuala Hilir Oya Beach remains wide and free of rubbish.
"This project was approved by Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi on April 16, 2016, during his tenure as the Federal Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.
"The allocation approved by Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi at that time, which was RM19.5 million, was reduced to RM14.4 million.
"From the RM14.4 million allocation, the project scope was reduced to a length of 1.4 kilometres and 150 concrete walkways, which is very popular in the evening for viewing the sunset.
"It began on November 15, 2021, and was completed on November 14, 2023, that is, within two years," she further stated.
Meanwhile, she mentioned that nine units of Lebuk Kaul Oya or Kaul Houses were built at a cost of RM50,000 each under the Minor Rural Project (MRP) grants.
Dato Sri Fatimah also clarified that Lebuk Kaul Oya was built collectively with the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) as a focal area for government agencies, private entities, and schools for outreach, team-building, co-curricular, and family retreat purposes. -UKASnews
