KUCHING: Murum assemblyman, Kennedy Chukpai Ugon is optimistic changes and development can be brought to his constituency.
Chukpai made his debut in the 11th state election in 2016, contesting in Murum, which was a new constituency in Sarawak then, encompassing the polling districts of Long Murum, Asap and Tubau.
Formerly Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Belaga youth chief, Chukpai a Kenyah is currently in his second term as Murum assemblyman.
New Sarawak Tribune managed to interview Chukpai after the first meeting of the second session of the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on yesterday (May 15).
New Sarawak Tribune: What is your vision for the Murum constituency?
Chukpai: I must thank Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for the Post Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. My vision for my constituency is to focus on improving road connectivity and better infrastructures. More development in the rural areas, to bridge the development gap between the rural and urban areas.
New Sarawak Tribune: What are your hopes for the Murum constituency?
Chukpai: Due to the border proximity between Murum or Belaga with Nusantara, I hope that the government will add funds to assist the need for a Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex. Border security is important because Murum is a constituency and a neighbour to the Indonesian border and through Long Nawan, it is very near to Nusantara.
New Sarawak Tribune: Has any problem surfaced recently?
Chukpai: Yes, the road in Sungai Asap which is about 135 km long. We want to give the rakyat better roads for them to have better access. The total cost needed for that project was about RM600 million, but thanks to the GPS government RM100 million was funded for the first half of the road through the Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA). That was the first one, about 60 km, we still have another 70km or maybe over 100km to go, and the state government has already funded some RM260 million for that road in Sungai Asap.
New Sarawak Tribune: Any recent or latest achievements as Murum assemblyman?
Chukpai: Recently the Premier had approved RM5 million to do a Pusat Sehenti Anjung Usahawan in Sungai Asap, this is a good initiative. I think the young people will love it. We want to put up an Innovation and ICT centre there. This would allow young people to be involved in entrepreneurship. Speaking of tourism, we are also looking to make Sungai Asap a getaway to the Bakun and Murum dams. Besides that, the Premier has also approved two tenders for the Heritage Centre for Sungai Asap which costs RM15 million.
New Sarawak Tribune: What are your future plans for Murum?
Chukpai: Murum is in the Belaga district so we want Belaga to be the 13th division, that’s why in order to make Belaga the13th division, Sungai Asap must be elevated to a full-fledged district. Only then can Belaga be fully recognised as a division.
