SIBU: The construction of a concrete parking area at John Dugol longhouse, Nanga Tutus, Batang Igan costing RM150,000 under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) project has been completed.
Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) Public Health and Environment Standing Committee chairman, Councillor Kevin Lau, described the project as a testament to what can be achieved through close collaboration between the local community, the council and the Sarawak Government.
He was speaking at the Meet-the-the People session and the official launching of the completed project here today (Aug 1).
Lau recalled visiting the longhouse nearly two years ago to engage directly with residents and understand their most pressing needs before the proposal was submitted for consideration.
“Although RTP allocations are generally channelled through elected representatives of the state government, we remained committed to seeking assistance by submitting the proposal through Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian,” he said.
He added that with Dr Sim’s support, the application secured RM150,000 in funding, enabling the project to move forward and eventually reach completion.
The long-awaited infrastructure upgrade is expected to significantly improve accessibility, convenience and public safety for the longhouse community.
According to Lau, implementation began in March 2025 following a joint site inspection with SRDC engineers, and construction was completed within approximately four months.
Lau also expressed his appreciation to the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of the longhouse community for their strong cooperation throughout the planning and implementation of the project.
He said the successful completion of the facility demonstrates how effective partnerships between the government and local communities can translate into tangible improvements that directly benefit rural residents.
Beyond the infrastructure launch, the event also brought a range of essential public services closer to the community. Residents had access to service counters from the Welfare Department, Sibu Kidney Foundation, as well as free health screening services, reducing the need to travel to Sibu town for basic government and healthcare assistance.
Meanwhile, Lau, who is aso Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Central Youth Chief urged Sarawakians to continue safeguarding the state’s long-standing harmony and multicultural unity, describing social cohesion as one of Sarawak’s greatest strengths.
“Peace and stability are the foundation of Sarawak’s continued progress. It is our collective responsibility to preserve the harmony that generations before us worked so hard to build,” added Lau, who is also SUPP Bawang Assan Branch Chairman.
