SIBU: For residents in Engkilo at the West Bank here, rising fuel costs are no longer simply an issue at the pump – they are translating into higher daily expenses, increased business costs, and more expensive river crossings.
The impact was among the key concerns raised during a recent door-to-door mobile service conducted by the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan Branch, which visited 16 households and business operators in the area.
The pressure is compounded by higher ferry charges, with fares having risen from 60 sen to 90 sen per trip.
SUPP Bawang Assan Branch’s Chairman, Councillor Kevin Lau Kor Jie, said the increase in fuel-related costs had a direct knock-on effect on communities that relied on boats and ferries as an essential means of transportation.
“When fuel costs increase, it directly affects the daily expenses and operating costs of residents and businesses that rely on river transportation,” he said.
Lau said ferry operators were themselves dealing with higher operating expenses, leaving residents to bear part of the impact through increased fares.
He said the concerns raised in Engkilo also reflected a wider problem faced by communities along the Batang Igan.
Similar complaints had been brought up during his recent visits to Kampung Bungan Besar and Kampung Bungan Kecil, where river transport remains an important part of everyday life.
“Many families living in these areas depend on river transport as part of their daily lives. Therefore, any changes in fuel costs and availability will have a direct impact on their cost of living,” he said.
Lau stressed that the issue should not be reduced to a political dispute following criticism from certain DAP leaders in Sarawak over the matter.
“This is not a political issue. It is an issue concerning the livelihood of our people.
“When residents come forward and share the difficulties they are facing, it is our responsibility as a local community service team to bring their concerns to the relevant authorities,” he said.
He said grassroots visits were important because they allowed community representatives to see first-hand how policy and cost pressures were affecting residents beyond urban centres.
Lau added that the SUPP Bawang Assan Branch would continue bringing the matter to the attention of the relevant government agencies and through the media.
He said the objective was not to politicise the issue, but to ensure that the concerns of river-dependent communities reached the federal authorities, particularly the Ministry of Finance.
“Regardless of political affiliation or party background, I believe this should be a collective effort by all Sarawakians.
“Our aim is simply to bring the genuine concerns and voices of the people at the grassroots level to the Ministry of Finance, so that the relevant authorities can better understand the realities faced by our communities,” added Lau, who is also SUPP Youth Chief.
