SALCRA's Wisma is now known as the Alfred Jabu Tower, a tribute to rural development figures.

KUCHING, 13 Oct: The Sarawak Land Association and Restoration Board (SALCRA) Wisma is now renamed as Alfred Jabu Tower in honour of the great contribution of Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang in fighting for land development of Bumiputera Traditional Rights (NCR) and improving socio-economic status of rural Sarawak community.

The Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Sarawak, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the renaming of the building along with launching the new corporate logo SALCRA marks another milestone in its 50-year history.

"We are witnessing another momentous moment, namely the launch of SALCRA's new corporate logo and renaming of Wisma SALCRA after receiving approval from the State Council Meeting on September 24", he said while addressing SALCRA's Sow, Grow, Prosper-themed Golden Jubilee Dinner Ceremony at Imperial Hotel here last night.

Rundi who is also the Chairman of SALCRA said that the establishment of the organisation in 1976 has opened a new leaf to rural community development through more productive and organised NCR land management.

Thus, he said, Alfred Jabu played an important role in realizing the establishment of SALCRA through the presentation of a bill at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on 24 March 1976, before the organization was formally established on 1 May that same year.

He said he also led SALCRA as chairman from 1976 to 1981 and again from 1998 to 2017.

"These changes are not merely a change in appearance, but rather represent renewal. After 50 years, SALCRA continues to cherish the history of its founding and is now ready to step into a new era", he said.

Rundi also stressed that the success of an institution to survive for five decades is not a result of the efforts of an individual or one generation alone, but rather driven by the continued commitment of the leadership generation who bear responsibility for continuing the previous struggle.

The name Alfred Jabu Tower is also a symbol of recognition for the vision and determination of the person concerned in gaining the trust of NCR land owners to participate in group development, especially during the early stages of SALCRA's establishment. - TVS