TANJUNG MANIS: Saltwater intrusion into agricultural areas in Kampung Tekajong and Bruit is raising concern among villagers as there are no signs of repair work on damaged flood bunds that had been approved for funding several years ago.
Tanjung Manis MP Yusuf Abd Wahab, who expressed disappointment over the stalled progress of the project, said the delay has caused anxiety ahead of the paddy planting season in June, as saltwater continues to damage crops and reduce usable farmland.
He stated that the project is critical for local food security and livelihoods.
“I believe it was about a year or two ago that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg approved the allocation between RM10 million and RM11 million for Kampung Tekajong and Bruit to repair the damaged agricultural bunds.
“Until now, the repair works have yet to be implemented,” he said during the Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri gathering hosted by the Tanjung Manis Parliamentary Service Centre at Kampung Tekajong Community Hall on Monday (April 21).
He urged all relevant parties, including government agencies, to expedite the implementation of the project in the interest of the rural community, who rely heavily on agriculture as their main source of income.
As an immediate measure, Yusuf called on the Sarawak Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) to conduct site visits and carry out minor repairs on the most critical sections of the bunds to reduce the impact of saltwater intrusion.
“If the full-scale work cannot be done yet, at the very least, the department should go to the ground and repair parts of the bund to provide temporary relief from the saltwater intrusion issue.”
On another note, villages across Pulau Bruit—including Tekajong, Bruit, Penipah, Salah Kecil, and Bertanak—are experiencing a strong seafood season, with high demand for local products such as smoked lumek and sesar unjur (fermented shrimp paste).
Yusuf noted that the state government’s road and bridge upgrades have helped boost access and marketing opportunities for local fishermen and processors, which provides a valuable source of income for the community.
