By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 12: The discussion over the proposed Bukit Arip state seat should go beyond electoral boundaries and focus on whether rural communities have adequate access to government services, representation and development opportunities, according to a statement by local community leaders.
In a recent statement, the vast geographical spread of rural communities created distinct challenges in ensuring government services and programmes reached those who needed them.
Penghulu Nelson Chuat Glong who oversees the Begeri, Pengkalan Lobang and Bukit Dinding areas said Kakus constituency alone covered about 5,701 sq km and had more than 23,955 voters, while the wider P214 Selangau constituency covered more than 9,193 sq km with over 49,265 voters.
“The scale brings administrative challenges that are different from areas that are more densely populated and easily accessible,” he said.
Nelson said seemingly simple matters could require long journeys, correspondence with several agencies and repeated follow-ups, particularly when communities faced issues involving roads, water, electricity, communications and public facilities.
“The challenge is not necessarily because the State government does not have programmes. The question is how far these programmes and solutions can reach communities that are remote and scattered, and how effectively follow-up can be carried out,” he said.
He said the discussion on Bukit Arip should therefore be viewed in terms of service capacity and representation, with the proposal previously linked to voter distribution, geographical size and the need to improve service delivery in rural areas.
Meanwhile, Tuai Rumah Juki Lambul of Begeri said longhouse communities often faced difficulties accessing information on government programmes and assistance.
“Sometimes assistance or programmes are available, but the community is unsure which agency to approach, what documents are required or how to follow up,” he said.
Juki said more effective representation could help close this gap and ensure government opportunities reached rural communities more effectively.
Tuai Rumah Johny Jimbun of Bukit Dinding said roads and communications remained central to the daily lives of rural communities, affecting school access, the transportation of agricultural produce and access to government services.
He said internet connectivity had also become increasingly important as rural communities sought opportunities in education, business and the digital economy.
Tuai Rumah Usin Mangi of Bawan, Balingian, said rural development should also focus on creating opportunities for younger generations through skills training, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), entrepreneurship, modern agriculture and agro-processing.
“We want the younger generation to have reasons to continue building their lives in their own communities,” he said.
The statement said any consideration of Bukit Arip should take into account the actual conditions on the ground, including the size of the area, number of voters, distribution of longhouses, travel distances, accessibility and growing development needs.
It said the issue should not be viewed solely in terms of boundaries on a map, but also in terms of ensuring communities had fair access to representation, government services and development opportunities.
The statement also said effective representation for rural communities goes beyond having a voice in elections, serving instead as a link between communities and the State government and between development policies and people’s daily realities. — DayakDaily
