KUCHING, Nov 6: The introduction of Federal Village Community Management Councils (MPKKPs) by the federal government into villages and longhouses in Sarawak will end in tragedy, as it will cause a split among the various ethnic groups, opines Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii.
Expressing his concern at the State Legislative Assembly sitting today, Huang who is Repok assemblyman said the formation of MPKKPs will only threaten the racial harmony within Sarawak’s racially diverse communities.
“As the Chinese saying goes, “one mountain cannot fit two tigers”. It is my sincere wish to see all Sarawakians maintain this unity regardless of religion and race. We strongly need the unity to move forward, for a better life for all Sarawakians,” he asserted.
On behalf of his constituents, Huang also raised concerns over road connectivity, clean water and low cost housing.
“I urge the Works Ministry to consider upgrading Jalan Pasi as it is one of the main roads and is very narrow and accident prone (sic). Road users from outside Sarikei (heading) to Sibu or Kuching prefer this route because of shorter travel time. Furthermore, our Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has approved the Jalan Pasi-Tanjung Manis road,” he said.
Huang explained that Jalan Pasi is the gateway to Tanjung Manis from the central region area to transport agricultural products and other goods through Tanjung Manis port.
As for the Nyelong bypass to Kwong Ming-Minah link road, Huang said it is the main entrance to Sarikei town.
“There are four schools located along this road, and many residential areas. Once the Pan Borneo and Pasi-Tanjung Manis roads are completed, the rate of heavy vehicles passing through this road will increase. Therefore, I would like to propose the construction of a two-kilometre alternative road.”
On treated water, Huang noted the Sarawak government’s plan to introduce a free water programme that is estimated to benefit 600,000 households across the state by 2020.
“However, Sarikei has been facing issues on lack of treated water especially in areas around Ulu Sarikei, Ulu Sare, Sungai Mawang Rusa and Ulu Sungai Bayong where they have yet to enjoy clean water supply,” he lamented.
Housing issues especially for the low-income (B40) and medium-income (M40) groups are not only a national issue, but also an issue in Repok, Huang said.
“Many of these people who are working in urban areas cannot afford to buy their own house and they can only rent rooms. Therefore, I am asking the ministry to build low and medium cost houses in Repok constituency,” he said. — DayakDaily
