KOTA SAMARAHAN – The proposed controlled rock blasting for the Endap Village Expansion Scheme (SPK) project has been carefully reviewed to ensure that residents’ safety remains the top priority.
The Sarawak Land and Survey Department (JTS), through the Samarahan Division Land and Survey Office, held a dialogue session on Tuesday to explain the method in detail and gather feedback from villagers.
Samarahan Division Land and Survey Superintendent Ahmad Raslan Yaiyah explained that the SPK Endap project aims to provide safer and more comfortable housing, particularly for residents previously affected by flooding.
“This project involves the development of 48 residential lots under the Endap Village Expansion Scheme. However, we are facing a challenge when a total of 18,700 cubic metres of hard rock was found at the project site, thus making the mechanical excavation method impractical,” he said.
He noted that controlled blasting has been proposed as the most efficient and secure solution, with carefully calculated explosive loads and timed detonators ensuring safety.
“Controlled explosion can speed up the excavation process, avoid project delays and minimise noise disturbance to nearby residents and schools,” he added.
The RM1.188 million project is fully funded by the Sarawak Government, with JTS as the implementing agency. The contractor took possession of the site on 26 January 2026, with a six-month contract period and an expected completion date of 25 July 2026.
Ahmad Raslan also mentioned that any proposal to add 52 lots beyond the current 48 would only be considered if villagers approve.
Meanwhile, Latifah Beni, Special Officer to the Kota Samarahan Member of Parliament, stressed the importance of transparent risk assessments and guarantees from the implementing agency in case of damage.
“We are not forcing. This dialogue is to hear the views of all parties so that the decisions made benefit the residents and the government,” she said.
The dialogue session highlighted the government’s commitment to balancing development with community safety. Residents were assured that their feedback would be taken into account before final decisions are made.
The SPK Endap project is expected to provide long-term benefits by creating flood-free residential areas, while ensuring that safety measures are prioritised throughout the construction process.
