The ministry, in adopting the village, said RM2.5 million would be allocated for various projects comprising three longhouses – Rumah Assan, Rumah Radiah and Rumah Albert Lajong – involving 658 residents.

Works minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said the projects include the construction of two bridges to connect the three longhouses and the installation of solar energy-based street lights.

“Tenders for the projects will be opened in two weeks, and the work is scheduled for completion next year,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

The Nanga Engkuah Longhouse is a modern longhouse made of concrete, located approximately 50km from Pekan Song, or about three hours away by boat.

The village adoption programme was announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim last week. He said that government leaders, including himself, would take responsibility for overseeing a village to directly understand the local issues.

According to Nanta, the programme will be expanded if the Nanga Engkuah Longhouse village project is a success.

He also said that the works ministry would work with Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan, the Upper Rajang Development Agency and the Sarawak government to ensure the smooth implementation of socioeconomic programmes, especially agricultural activities and freshwater fish farming in the village.

“An agricultural station has also been built in the village, and we will fully utilise it. We will also assist in providing plastic ponds so that commercial fish farming can be conducted in a structured and organised manner,” Nanta said.

Meanwhile, Lidam said he would strengthen vegetable farming activities at the agricultural station and set up a mobile research centre for inland fisheries.

“With projects like this, they will simultaneously promote eco-tourism and agro-tourism. Our ultimate aim is to develop the village economy by having a large pond (fish farm), and we will find a wholesaler of ’empurau’ fish to bring the fish to the market,” he said.