MULU: Swift action and coordinated efforts by the state government have ensured the welfare of 165 families, involving 482 residents in Long Lellang, remains safeguarded following damage to two bridges in the area.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) and Mulu assemblyman, Datuk Gerawat Gala, said upon receiving reports of the incident, immediate measures were activated to ensure affected residents were not cut off from essential supplies and basic access.
He said the affected areas include Kampung Long Lellang A and B, Ba Keramue, Long Kepang, Long Sabai, Long Main, as well as Sekolah Kebangsaan Long Lellang and the Long Lellang Health Clinic.
“We acted promptly by coordinating emergency assistance, including the delivery of food supplies and essential items to affected residents,” he said as reported by Sarawak Public Comunication Unit (UKAS).
Gerawat said the Social Welfare Department (JKM) through the Miri District Office also mobilised immediate aid while the Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA) deployed teams from the Sarawak Regional Air Base to carry out supply delivery operations.
“A total of four flights were conducted over two days, successfully delivering approximately 8,700 kilogrammes of aid supplies to the affected areas, ensuring residents’ basic needs remained sufficient,” he said.
At the same time, Gerawat said the Public Works Department (PWD) also took swift action by carrying out temporary repair works, restoring access routes for light vehicles.
He also expressed appreciation to all agencies involved, including the Miri District Office, JKM, the Fire and Rescue Department, PWD, as well as local volunteers for their crucial role in ensuring aid reached affected residents.
“Through the cooperation of all parties, connectivity has been successfully restored within a short period for the daily use of residents,” he said.
Gerawat revealed that a proposed upgrade of the Long Lellang road, including the two bridges under the Highland Development Agency (HDA), is currently at the tender evaluation stage.
“The project is expected to be awarded soon, with construction anticipated to begin in early June this year,” he said.
