SARIKEI: Residents in several longhouse communities have continued to prioritise basic amenities, with requests for water supply assistance and community facilities taking centre stage during recent grassroots engagements.
Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Sarikei Member of Parliament and Repok assemblyman, Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii continued his series of working visits to longhouses to engage directly with residents and better understand their needs.
“Clean and sufficient water supply is a basic necessity that cannot be taken lightly. When residents raise this issue, we must act immediately,” Huang said in a press statement on Wednesday.
The third day of the outreach programme saw most applications focusing on the construction and upgrading of Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) houses, as well as the provision of water tanks to address water supply challenges faced by residents.
In response, Huang approved requests for water tanks to help affected communities secure a more reliable and adequate supply of clean water, describing the matter as a priority for improving living standards.
He said the requests reflected the community’s desire for better residential facilities and access to essential services, which are important for ensuring the wellbeing and comfort of longhouse residents.
Apart from water-related assistance, Huang also approved applications for the construction of JKKK houses, which serve as important centres for community administration and local development planning.
“We want every community to have a suitable space to plan and work together for collective progress. A JKKK house is a step towards that goal,” he said.
Huang emphasised that his visits were not merely aimed at observing the physical condition of an area, but more importantly at understanding the real concerns and priorities of residents.
“I do not want to make decisions solely from behind a desk. By going to the ground myself, I can see, listen and respond more accurately and effectively,” he added.
He said that direct engagement enables assistance and development programmes to be implemented more effectively, ensuring that support reaches communities according to their actual needs.
The longhouse visits have been conducted regularly since Huang was elected as Sarikei MP, with recent visits covering areas including Sungai Mador, Ulu Binatang, Jalan KJD, Sungai Baron, Sungai Kesa and Sungai Juah.
