By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 23: Two long-delayed road projects in Sri Aman must be given immediate priority under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13), as prolonged delays have continued to deny rural communities safe access and basic services, said Sri Aman Member of Parliament Dato Sri Doris Sophia Brodi.
According to a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, Doris said the failure to implement approved infrastructure projects since the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12) has adversely affected residents’ wellbeing and runs counter to RMK-13’s emphasis on inclusive development and people’s welfare.
Speaking during the debate on the motion of thanks for the Royal Address at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday (Jan 22), Doris highlighted the proposed upgrading of Jalan Menuang to Langgir, a 3.3-kilometre stretch built to JKR R3 standards with an estimated cost of RM46 million. Although proposed under RMK-12 in 2021, the project has yet to be implemented.
“Communities in Langgir and Gunung Lesong still do not have road access and remain fully dependent on river routes, which are dangerous due to the presence of crocodiles and are difficult to navigate, especially during low tide,” she said.
Doris also cited the upgrading of Jalan Pantu to Keranggas/Engkeranji, spanning about 22 kilometres, which was approved by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) under Rolling Plan 1 of RMK-12 with a ceiling cost of RM142 million but remains stalled.
She said the existing gravel road is slippery and hazardous, posing daily difficulties for more than 1,500 residents living along the alignment.
“Once completed, the project will connect nine longhouses, including two schools—Sekolah Kebangsaan Keranggas and Sekolah Kebangsaan Engkeranji,” she added.
Doris stressed that proper road infrastructure is not merely about physical convenience but is directly linked to access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities for rural communities.
She therefore urged that both projects be listed as priorities under RMK-13, in line with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Royal Address, which underscored the importance of improving people’s welfare through the development of basic infrastructure, particularly in areas such as Sri Aman. — DayakDaily
