By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, May 17: The formation of the Belaga District Council is an important step towards recognising Belaga District as a new administration centre at the division level, specifically the 13th Division, which will entail elevating the sub-district of Sungai Asap to full district level administration.
Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon stated this today when debating in support of the Head of State’s speech at the Sarawak Legislative Complex (DUN) in Kuching.
“I am very confident in the existence of the Belaga Division as a new division that will undoubtedly strengthen the administration and layout of Sarawak where the development agenda and planning in the interior areas and finally be able to help realise Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 quickly in addition to bringing a significant impact as a catalyst for development in the interior, particularly in Murum and Belaga constituencies and in Sarawak in general,” Chukpai said.
He noted that Belaga District, which includes the Belaga and Murum constituencies, is the largest in Sarawak, and that it is critical to establish a new District Council because the district has significant economic resources from the Bakun Dam, Murum Dam, and extensive palm oil plantation companies, in addition to timber concessions.
“The establishment of the Belaga District Council is required to further strengthen administration and boost development in the Belaga District, particularly in an effort to make Sarawak a high-income developed region by 2030, in accordance with PCDS 2030.
“In addition to being a revitalised energy district and the heart of Sarawak’s energy, now is the time for us to work together to develop this district in order to recognise the sacrifices of our residents who have given way to the two megaprojects of Bakun Dam and Murum Dam, which light up all corners of Sarawak and contribute to the economies of Sarawak and Malaysia,” he added.
Chukpai also pointed out that Belaga District is located on Sarawak’s shared border with Kalimantan, Indonesia, which is closest to Nusantara, Indonesia’s new capital and administrative centre, which will undoubtedly open up great socioeconomic opportunities with the Archipelago. — DayakDaily
