SIBU: For residents in the remote Bungan villages along Batang Igan near here, access to electricity, clean water and proper road links remains less a matter of convenience than a daily challenge.
Those concerns took centre stage when Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan Branch chairman, Councillor Kevin Lau, visited Kampung Bungan Besar and Kampung Bungan Kecil during the meet-the-people programme yesterday (Aug 8).
The visit brought a range of long-standing infrastructure concerns directly to the attention of Lau, including electricity supply for houses across the river, inadequate water facilities, road connectivity and the need for a new bridge.
Lau, who is also SUPP Youth Chief, said such grassroots engagements were important because they allowed leaders to understand problems on the ground instead of relying solely on reports.
“This is not merely about visiting rural areas. It is about listening directly to the people and working with the relevant agencies to find solutions.
“Electricity, water and solar facilities are basic necessities, and we understand how important these are to the community,” he said when speaking at Kampung Bungan Besar.
On the water shortage in Bungan Besar, Lau said he would explore possible solutions, including the possibility of identifying the village as a pilot area for improved water supply facilities.
He also planned to engage the Public Works Department (PWD) to obtain details on road development plans, particularly connectivity between Bungan and nearby towns.
“We will continue looking for solutions and ways to improve development for the people of Bungan,” he said.
Kampung Bungan Besar headman Sulaiman @ Utak Hassim said four houses located across the river were still facing difficulties obtaining electricity supply.
He said the geographical separation from the main settlement had made electricity connection more challenging for the affected households.
Lau said the issue would require continued engagement with the relevant agencies to determine the most practical solution.
He also highlighted the role of the Special Rural Transformation Project (RTP) allocation in bringing infrastructure improvements to rural communities.
According to him, RM90,000 had been allocated to upgrade the jetty at Kampung Bungan Besar, with the facility also offering potential for water sports activities.
He credited SUPP president Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian for supporting efforts to secure allocations from Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Lau said community leaders remained a critical link between the government and rural residents.
“As a Sibu Rural District Council member, I have to work closely with the community leaders to identify problems and bring them to the relevant authorities,” he said.
He added that Sarawak’s strength lay in its ability to maintain cooperation and unity among its diverse communities.
At Kampung Bungan Kecil, community leader Uma Limbai raised another pressing infrastructure concern — the condition and capacity of the existing bridge.
He said the current bridge was too narrow and could only be used by pedestrians and motorcycles, restricting access for cars and larger vehicles.
Uma proposed the construction of a new steel bridge measuring about 80 feet long and 10 feet wide.
“A bridge of this size would allow cars to cross and greatly improve the daily movement of residents,” he said.
While acknowledging that development projects required time and proper planning, he said the visit by Lau and his delegation was significant as it allowed the situation to be assessed first-hand.
Lau said he would bring the bridge proposal to the relevant agencies and explore whether the Matu-Daro District Council could play a role in upgrading the facility.
Possible funding sources would also be studied, he added.
The water supply issue affecting Bungan Kecil would likewise be referred to the relevant authorities.
Another concern raised during the engagement was the current 200-litre diesel quota, which Lau said was inadequate for rural residents who rely heavily on diesel for their daily activities.
“We will try to bring this matter to the federal government and seek an increase in the quota because 200 litres is not sufficient,” he said.
He stressed that community leaders were essential in ensuring rural problems were properly identified and communicated to the authorities.
“Community leaders are important in strengthening unity among our multi-ethnic communities.
“That is why Sarawak remains harmonious. This harmony is a source of strength not only for SUPP but for Sarawak as a whole,” he said.
He said the SUPP Bawang Assan Branch would continue engaging with communities in the Bungan area and pursue solutions to their infrastructure needs.
He also called for continued cooperation from residents and community leaders to ensure development issues could be addressed more efficiently.
