KUCHING, March 10: Communities at Bakun Resettlement in the Belaga District will be better served with the addition of a third ambulance for Sungei Asap Clinic to address the ambulance shortage in the district.
The four-wheel drive ambulance vehicle, modified to suit the topography and terrain of the area, will be based at Sungei Asap Clinic to supplement two existing ambulances in the event of an emergency requiring medical evacuation to Bintulu Hospital.
The Sarawak Health Department in Kapit received the new fully equipped modified ambulance vehicle, a contribution from Sarawak Energy, as part of the corporation’s ongoing support of communities relocated by the development of the Bakun Hydroelectric Plant (HEP).
Located about two hours by road from Bintulu and one hour from the hydropower plant, the community was established in 1998 when 15 longhouses comprising Kayan, Kenyah, Kajang and Penan communities were relocated from the Balui River in the Upper Rajang for the development of the 2,400MW Bakun HEP.
At a recent handover ceremony at Bakun HEP, Sungei Asap Health Clinic medical officer Dr Norfazira Abdullah received the ambulance on behalf of the Sarawak Health Department, witnessed by Kapit Division heath officer Dr Hamidi Mohamad Sharkawi.
Sarawak Energy was represented by Bakun maintenance manager Laurence Satia Usit, its operation manager Admund Gabriel together with management and staff from Bakun HEP, as well as medical staff from Sungei Asap and Kapit.
Commenting on the handover SEB Power – Sarawak Energy’s power generation arm – chief executive officer (CEO) Ir Bunyak Lunyong said they will continue to engage with the community to better understand their needs and work together towards addressing challenges.
“We are pleased to support efforts and partner with the Sarawak Health Department on this important initiative for the community in Sungei Asap.
“As a socially responsible corporate neighbour, we believe that we should play a proactive role to benefit the community,” he added in a media release today.
Since acquiring the Bakun HEP from Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance in 2017, the energy development corporation has worked closely with the community at the Bakun Resettlement Scheme on several programmes in the resettlement area with a focus on enhancing and uplifting community well-being.
Amongst the social investment pillars are cultural heritage preservation, infrastructure enhancement, health and safety programmes, anti-drug campaigns and educational incentives. — DayakDaily
