
Soon Koh: Continued attention needed to address water, infrastructure needs in Bawang Assan
While thanking the state government and relevant ministries for their efforts thus far, Soon Koh says Sibu's water supply problems stem from its geographical location in low-lying peat swamp areas.
KUCHING (May 22): Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh has called for continued attention to address the persistent water supply issues and infrastructure needs affecting his constituency.
While thanking the state government and relevant ministries for their efforts thus far, he said Sibu's water supply problems stem from its geographical location in low-lying peat swamp areas.
'Because of that, over time, water pipes have sunk several metres underground, making them prone to frequent leaks and bursts, leading to repeated supply disruptions,' he said when debating the motion of appreciation on the Governor's opening speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today.
He also acknowledged that while water supply is primarily a federal responsibility, funding delays and slow implementation have compounded the problem.
'People in general are not aware that water supply is very much the federal government's responsibility, but the state government has recently stepped in to help mitigate the issue,' he said.
In this regard, he expressed his appreciation to Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi for his active involvement in addressing water supply issues in Sibu.
Turning to road infrastructure, Wong noted the recent completion of the Jalan Sungai Bidut/Kampung Tutus/Kampung Sebedil/Kampung Bungan Kecil road project (Package A) which cost RM103 million.
He said planning is underway for the Jalan Rantau Panjang/Rassau road project in Batang Igan estimated at RM254 million, and maintenance works for Jalan Kampung Sebedil worth RM500,000.
'Additionally, several road proposals have been submitted under the 13th Malaysia Plan, including the RM435 million Jalan Sungai Bidut/Batang Lassa/Kadang Sawai Jaya road, and the SK Tanjung Panasu bypass to Aup/Rantau Panjang estimated at RM5 million,' he said. bawang assan DUN wong soon koh
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