BY JAMES WONG
KRIAN is a constituency confronted with challenges in terms of infrastructure, connectivity and utilities.
Nonetheless, this is no deterrent to its assemblyman Friday Belik.
Optimistic and ambitious, he is committed to uplift the condition of his constituency.
New Sarawak Tribune: What is your vision for your constituency?
I want to see the people united despite difference in politics, and the most important thing is for us to work together as a team towards making Krian a better place.
New Sarawak Tribune: What are the major challenges you face in Krian?
Right now, I can say that our infrastructure is satisfactory.
Some of our roads still needs improvements, we are in the process of getting funding to tar the unsealed roads.
In terms of road connectivity, we are almost at 100 per cent although some of the roads have not been tarred, but travelling from one place to another by roads is possible now.
While all the longhouses are connected to the main grid, there are some new housing areas that are still left without electricity.
For these houses, we have collected the necessary information, and it is an ongoing process to get electricity for these houses.
We have submitted most of the plans to the ministry, and we are awaiting response.
Furthermore, some areas are still having network connectivity issues, and we have contacted Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and they said it will take some time for the system to return to normal.
Some of the areas are also experiencing issues with clean water supply, but the ministry has already picked up on the issue.
I believe there is light at the end of the tunnel, I hope these issues can be resolved by 2025.
New Sarawak Tribune: What is your latest achievement in terms of development for your area?
Since 2021, we have implemented several Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) projects, with some currently underway and others awaiting planning approval.
Last year, we allocated RM5 million to carry out 36 RTP, and right now they are at different stages of implementation.
For this year, the state government just approved another RM5 million for 34 RTPs, which are yet to commence.
On top of that, the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) also allocated some funds for the development of Krian to complement what we have under RTP.
They are mostly high impact projects which can be implemented immediately.
Among these projects is the upgrading of the Saratok Sports Complex, while another focuses on the ongoing upgrade of Jalan Awek, with approximately 6 kilometres remaining unsealed.
New Sarawak Tribune: Moving forward, what do you have planned for your area?
The next phase of planning for BDDA is an economic project whereby we open up lands for local buyers to encourage them to develop and utilise the lands.
Following that, we will provide the necessary infrastructure, roads or drainage systems for the land development.
Furthermore, we are working to improve the situation of Daerah Kecil Nanga Budu, as it was declared a sub-district but has not seen much development since.
To achieve that, I am planning to build a new office for the area close to the existing office, and I believe it will facilitate their operations and development plans.
Plans are also underway to provide sports facilities and commercial areas to meet future requirements.
Additionally, based on the requests of the community, housing or shop lots may also be included in the development.
New Sarawak Tribune: What do you hope for your constituency?
We hope our citizens will cooperate with us and assist the community leaders for the sake of development in Krian.
Forget about politics for a while, we need to work as a team to make sure Krian has a better future.
