LUBOK ANTU, April 1: The findings of a study by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)’s Professor Dr Madeline Berma that Lubok Antu District is one of the seven poorest districts in Sarawak and among the 10 poorest in Malaysia is correct.
Giving that confirmation is none other than Lubok Antu MP Jugah Muyang, who is doubly sad that the majority of his constituents are Ibans.
“In terms of infrastructure facilities, Lubok Antu is far from those in other parts of the state,” he said in a statement today.
Jugah stressed that all forms of development should include rural areas in the picture so that everyone would be able to enjoy the fruits of progress.
He, thus, urged the federal government to help the people of Lubok Antu without imposing any condition.
Highlighting the plights of his constituents, he said those living along the Ulu Skrang Road, for instance, had difficulties getting onto the main road as the road is badly damaged and some ‘temporary crossing’ structures were in very poor shape.
“The road conditions are getting worse and dangerous to road users, especially during the monsoon season,” he lamented.
“In addition to the earthen surface, the road is slippery and riddled with potholes. When it rains, driving along the road is hazardous. The road can also be used by four-wheel-drive vehicles only.”
Jugah also urged the government to speed up implementing Phase II of the Ulu Skrang Road Project. He said the project had been approved by the Ministry of Rural Development (KPLB) with a total allocation of RM28.5 million.
He also wanted the government to speed up implementing the Balak Road-Upgrade Project (Phase IV) in Sri Aman Division.
“The project has also been approved by KPLB with an allocation of RM 12.42 million,” he said.
Also in need of urgent attention are upgrading the 7km road to Aiman Resort Batang Ai in Lubok Antu to an R3 JKR standard road, upgrading the 13km Merindun-Merio-Engkilili Road and upgrading the 12km Basi Road.
“The government needs to prioritise upgrading these roads to reduce the people’s stress and concerns over severe road conditions, especially in the face of emergency situations such as sickness and women in labour.”
“What we hope is that the roads can be upgraded and maintained as quickly as possible for the sake of the people,” he said. — DayakDaily
