Bright future for Muara Tebas

 FROM FISHING VILLAGE TO TOWNSHIP: Plan to turn it into resort-like area

Kampung Muara Tebas, near Kuching, will be developed into a modern township under a 10-year plan. Pic by Nadim Bokhari

KUCHING: THE quaint and peaceful village of Muara Tebas, about 30km  from here, will one day become the heart of a new, modern   eco-friendly township.

The first phase of the Muara Tebas township will include 192 units of Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMP) bungalows which are expected to be completed next year.

State Housing and Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Openg said the ministry had a 10-year plan to make the area environmentally friendly.

"Once completed, this town will be like a resort, surrounded by Kampung Muara Tuang and Bako National Park," said Johari after a briefing on the project near here yesterday.

Under the plan, there will be 12 phases. A man-made lake connected to Sungai Buda will also be constructed.

This lake will serve as a water retention pond to curb flooding and as a recreational area.

Johari said the new town would generate economic activities for fishermen from Kampung Muara Tebas.

"The village will still be there despite the development. The fishermen will benefit from this as demand for their produce will increase as the population grows."

Kampung Muara Tebas is not only famous for its fishing village but is also known for the 200-year-old Ching San Yen temple, which overlooks Kampung Muara Tebas.

The first phase comprises infrastructure works worth RM6.9 million, covering 6.5ha.

It is being developed by the Housing Development Corporation, which will also build 192 units of RMR.

The RMR concept bungalow comes with eight designs and is priced at RM75,000 each.

"There are 500 applicants for the RMR and this shows that there is demand for this type of housing. But we have to go through the applications to make sure that only those who are eligible get it," said Johari.

Only those earning a monthly income of RM3,000 and below qualify for the RMR.

Read more: Bright future for Muara Tebas - General - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/bright-future-for-muara-tebas-1.96929#ixzz1yUGTRCgq