Federal-state delegation surveys Baram's poor rural roads, eyes urgent action
Anyi points at the damaged bridge at Sungai Medan, as (from right) Dennis, Muhammad Abdullah and Muhammad Najib look on.
LONG LAPOK (April 24): Sarawak Deputy State Secretary Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel earlier today led a delegation, comprising senior officials from the federal Economic Planning Unit (EPU), Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) and several other government agencies, to inspect the condition of logging roads and former logging routes in the interior of Baram.
The visit, prompted by concerns raised by Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau, aims to assess the accessibility and infrastructure challenges faced by rural communities in the region.
Muhammad Abdullah said the inspection formed part of a concerted effort to better understand the realities on the ground, particularly those affecting rural communities.
'This visit is our responsibility as civil servants. We brought along officials from Putrajaya, the Ministry of Economy, as well as other federal and state agencies so that they can witness the conditions for themselves.
'Tomorrow (April 25), we will be holding a lab session to further discuss possible solutions to this issue,' he told The Borneo Post during the site visit.
He pointed out that road accessibility is crucial not only for the convenience of rural communities, but also for civil servants such as teachers and medical personnel who are stationed in remote areas.
On the road conditions, he said the difference between unmaintained and maintained logging roads is obvious.
'However, even the maintained ones remain far from comfortable.
'Proper road access is essential for mobility, connectivity, and the overall well-being of these communities,' he added.
Photo shows a collapsed logging bridge at Sungai Medan, which forced the delegation to divert to Uma Bawang instead of Long Suling.
Moreover, Muhammad Abdullah expressed appreciation for the commitment shown by the federal officials who made the trip despite their tight schedules.
'We're grateful for their willingness to come down to the ground. Although infrastructure falls under federal jurisdiction, close cooperation is needed.
'We hope this visit leads to stronger support and funding from Putrajaya,' he said.
The delegation included Ministry of Economy deputy director I (Spatial and Rural Development) Wan Muhammad Najib Wan Abdul; KKDW Putrajaya Principal assistant secretary Mohd Naim Norman; KKDW Sarawak senior civil engineer Sabariah Nawawi; Miri Resident Galong Luang; and Telang Usan District officer Ezra Uda.
Meanwhile, Dennis, who also joined the visit, said he has repeatedly urged the relevant authorities to come down to the ground to see and experience for themselves the poor condition of the roads faced by the rural communities.
Today's visit, he added, was the result of his request to the Deputy State Secretary during a briefing at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Northern Zone Triennial Delegates' Conference last December, where he had raised the issue of damaged roads and collapsed bridges, especially in his constituency.
'I requested for the government to hold a lab session with all stakeholders, including representatives from our constituencies, where we can discuss and find the best possible solution to this long standing issue affecting our rural communities.'
Baram MP Datuk Anyi Ngau, who was also present, stated that it is high time for both the state and federal governments to resolve the worsening infrastructure issues in Baram, which have become increasingly critical in recent years.
He stressed that both the state and federal governments must work together to find the best way forward for this problem that has persisted for far too long.
'In fact, I have often raised this matter in Parliament,' he said.
He thus urged the government to immediately allocate special funds for the repair and maintenance of all former logging roads and damaged bridges throughout his constituency.
The delegation today was scheduled to visit several damaged roads and bridges up to Long Suling, Baram, but diverted to Uma Bawang due to a damaged logging bridge at Sungai Medan.
They are also expected to have a closed-door lab session tomorrow (April 25) aimed at formulating strategies for improving rural infrastructure in the Baram parliamentary constituency. Baram Dennis Ngau logging roads Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel rural roads
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
One Cabinet minister to temporarily handle Rafizi's portfolio
KUALA LUMPUR: There is no need to disband the Economy Ministry despite the resignation of its minister, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. One of the current Cabinet ministers will be picked to temporarily helm the ministry, he said when asked about the post as Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli's resignation will take effect today. 'I wish Rafizi all the best as he had served very well as the Economy Minister. 'I will now have to decide which one of the ministers will have to carry out the responsibilities,' he told reporters after launching the Energy Asia 2025 conference yesterday. Anwar noted that the ministry was previously the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) which came under the Prime Minister's Department. The ministry was formed during the Pakatan Harapan administration, he added. 'The EPU was an effective unit under the Prime Minister's Department before we set up the ministry which is now carrying out the function of the unit. 'Let us move on, for now, there is no issue or problem,' he said. In a Facebook post last week, Rafizi said that he had settled a few matters and packed up his things at the office for the last time last Friday. He was defeated by Nurul Izzah Anwar for PKR's No 2 position on May 23. Prior to that, he had announced his readiness to step down if he failed to defend his post of deputy president. Following the defeat, he submitted his resignation letter, effective June 17, to Anwar. Asked about Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad who had submitted his resignation as the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister effective July 4, Anwar said no decision has been made yet. 'I will always wait to give an opportunity. 'I have given my views that he should continue if possible,' he said. Nik Nazmi resigned from the Cabinet after he failed to defend his PKR vice-presidency post. Anwar had previously asked both Rafizi and Nik Nazmi to reconsider their decision to quit the Cabinet.
The Sun
5 days ago
- The Sun
No need to dissolve Economy Ministry
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that there is no necessity to dissolve the Economy Ministry and any new ministerial appointment will only be made at an appropriate time. Anwar explained that the Economy Ministry, which was formerly the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) under the Prime Minister's Department, was elevated to a full ministry during Pakatan Harapan's first administration. 'There is no issue of a change (in ministerial structure). The structure is determined by the Cabinet and me, so for now, I don't see any need for a reshuffle,' he told reporters after officiating at Energy Asia 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today. On the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), scheduled to be tabled in Parliament this July, Anwar said it is a collective responsibility of the Cabinet, with the Economy Ministry serving as the main secretariat. He added that various adjustments and reforms are underway in light of the changing economic landscape, including tariff revisions that are impacting key national projections. 'Last week, we also held a meeting to hear input from ministries on policy adjustments being introduced,' he said. On May 28, Economy Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Rafizi Ramli tendered his resignation and went on leave, which ends today. On the resignation of Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Anwar said the matter has not been finalised as he wishes to allow time and space before making a decision. 'I usually wait, give them a chance. Reflect, consider, and I will give my view. If possible, I'd like him to continue his service; there's still time before his resignation takes effect,' he said. Nik Nazmi also tendered his resignation on May 28 and has gone on leave until July 3. When asked about the proposed adjustments involving RON95 petrol prices, Anwar reiterated that it will not affect 85 to 90 per cent of the population. He said the opposition's claims that people are suffering due to the subsidy rationalisation policy are nothing more than desperate political gimmicks aimed at creating a negative image of the government. Anwar said the government's move towards subsidy rationalisation is a critical step to ensure sufficient national resources are channelled effectively to benefit the lower-income group. 'We want to have enough resources to help the poor, to enhance the quality of education and to provide better public services, including in healthcare,' he said. The Prime Minister added that the government is committed to implementing the policy despite criticisms, as it forms part of broader economic reforms aimed at long-term fiscal sustainability.
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Malay Mail
No plans to dissolve Ministry of Economy, says Anwar as he thanks Rafizi for exemplary leadership
KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his gratitude to Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli for his excellent service in leading the Ministry of Economy. 'I wish Rafizi all the best – he has carried out his duties admirably,' Anwar was quoted as saying at the Energy Asia 2025 conference. The Prime Minister also confirmed that the Ministry of Economy will remain in place. 'At the appropriate time, I will decide which minister or ministry will assume responsibility.' Addressing speculation that the ministry might be dismantled following Rafizi's resignation from the Cabinet, Anwar stressed that there was no need to abolish the Ministry of Economy. He explained that the ministry originated as the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) under the Prime Minister's Department before being elevated to ministerial status during the first Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration. 'The EPU was an effective agency under the Prime Minister's Department, and the formation of a dedicated ministry essentially took over the EPU's functions,' he told the Malay daily. 'At present, there is no issue, no problem. So, let's carry on.' Earlier, BH reported on the possibility of dissolving the ministry and re-establishing the EPU as a central agency under the Prime Minister's Department. A source had told BH that the government appeared indifferent to Rafizi's resignation, which came after his defeat in the recent PKR central leadership elections. Regarding the resignation of Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Anwar said he had given Nik Nazmi space to reflect on his decision. The Prime Minister added that he had advised Nik Nazmi that it would be better for him to continue serving in his current role.
