By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 17: A total of 1,223 streetlights have been installed across the Batu Kawa constituency under a concerted initiative led by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, involving an investment exceeding RM1 million to improve public safety and community infrastructure.
The most recent phase of the project saw Sarawak Energy Berhad, through its operations and retail arm, Syarikat Sesco Berhad, completed the installation of 68 new streetlights across 15 locations, funded under Dr Sim’s Rural Transformation Project (RTP) at a cost of RM83,846.
The areas that benefited from this latest installation include Jalan Segubang, Kampung Rantau Panjang, Jalan Moyan Segah, Jalan Moyan Indah, Kim Shak, Sin San Tu B, Jalan Desa Wira, Jalan RPR Batu Kawah, Jalan Batu Kawa, Kampung Stapok, Jalan Segedup, Jalan Highfield, Kampung Sinar Budi Lama, Jalan Sungai Tapang Ulu and Jalan Rantau Panjang.
Dr Sim, who is also Batu Kawah assemblyman, emphasised that this street lighting initiative responds directly to the community’s longstanding requests for safer, better-lit neighbourhoods.
“Since being elected in 2016, I have consistently raised this need with the Premier of Sarawak, and I am grateful for the support we’ve received—demonstrating the Sarawak government’s commitment to uplifting the lives of the people,” he said in a media release today.
From 2018 to 2023, a total of 1,155 streetlights were installed in phases throughout Batu Kawa. In 2018, 107 units were installed at a cost of RM220,000. This was followed by 575 units in 2019, costing RM361,275.
In 2020, 190 units were installed, with an expenditure of RM118,520, and in 2023, 117 streetlights were added at a cost of RM297,944.
Dr Sim emphasised that the effort to install more streetlights will continue, especially in Batu Kawa’s large and rapidly developing areas.
Priority is given to sites with existing utility poles, high-traffic zones, and accident-prone bends. In areas lacking electricity infrastructure, he assured that alternative arrangements would be considered.
He also called on residents to continue being the “eyes and ears” of the community by reporting issues and providing feedback to help guide development efforts.
“A safer and brighter Batu Kawa is a goal we can only achieve together. I sincerely thank the Sarawak government for its unwavering support and the community for their cooperation and trust,” Dr Sim added. — DayakDaily
