By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, May 23: Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon urges for the upgrading of logging roads in his area, especially the 60km stretch from Murum Dam to Lusong Laku and the setting up of a hemodialysis centre at Sungai Asap.
Lusong Laku is a Penan settlement located in the upper reaches of the Linau River in Murum that holds immense tourism potential, featuring a stunning waterfall known as the “Mini Niagara Falls of Sarawak.” In addition, the land in Lusong Laku is highly fertile, being former volcanic soil, making it ideal for cultivating vegetables and fruits such as Sarawak sour eggplant, watermelons, and more.
“Our journey to Lusong Laku takes eight hours, covering approximately 60km from the Murum Dam. On average, our vehicle’s speed is only 7.5km per hour due to the severely damaged road.
“At times, we have to pull vehicles that are stuck in the mud or have skidded off the road, as the road is extremely slippery. Only experienced and skilled drivers can navigate this route—one wrong move, and the vehicle could plunge into a ravine. It’s a truly challenging and harrowing experience,” said Chukpai when delivering his motion of appreciation on TYT’s address at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly today.
He shared the experience with the hope that those in the august house may envision the condition of the roads in the interior regions before expressing his sympathy and gratitude to rural residents, including public servants such as teachers, healthcare officers, and others who have to risk their lives just to carry out their duties and sustain their livelihoods.
“They risk their lives—like eggs at the edge of a horn (a Malay idiom)—for the sake of providing services to our rural communities. Their sacrifices are truly valued.
“Therefore, once again, I appeal in this Honourable House for the Government and the responsible Ministry to urgently find a comprehensive solution to upgrade the ex-logging roads, especially in the interior of Sarawak, which serve as the main access routes for rural communities, so they may be transformed into safe and comfortable roads essential for sustaining life in the hinterlands,’ said Chukpai.
Apart from upgrading of logging roads in his area, Chukpai also called for the setting up of a hemodialysis centre at Sungai Asap Health Clinic.
He said currently, all kidney patients who have to undergo dialysis treatment must do it at Bintulu Hospital, Miri Hospital and Kapit Hospital, three times a week.
“They have to travel back and forth from their village in Sungai Asap to the hospital in Bintulu, incurring an estimated cost of RM200 per trip, including transportation, meals, and other expenses, as there is no accommodation available in Bintulu.
“Imagine having to make this trip three times a week — this amounts to a monthly expenditure of RM2,400 just to receive dialysis treatment. This situation places a heavy burden on both the patients and their families, not only financially but also in terms of time.
He thus proposed the urgent establishment of a Hemodialysis Centre at the Sungai Asap Health Clinic to cater to the dialysis treatment needs of the communities in Sungai Asap, Belaga, and Tubau. — DayakDaily
