BATU Danau assemblyman, Datuk Paulus Palu Gumbang, has called for clarity on the long-delayed Long Napir Health Clinic project, saying the affected Kelabit and Penan communities have waited far too long for essential healthcare access.
He said the project had been approved as far back as the Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP) with an initial cost of over RM3 million but remains stalled after several failed attempts to complete it.
He said construction began in October 2016, but the contractor failed to deliver within the stipulated period, leading to termination in June 2018.
The project was re-tendered in February 2020, but bids exceeded the RM7.3 million ceiling cost, causing another setback.
“Since then, we have not heard of any further development on this project.
“The residents continue to face high costs travelling to Limbang Hospital for treatment. We hope the authorities can provide an update and expedite the clinic’s completion,” he said when debating on the Sarawak Budget 2026 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Paulus said the clinic is crucial for communities living in the remote interior and urged the authorities to prioritise its revival under the appropriate ministry or funding mechanism.
He also sought updates on the state’s plan to develop Limbang as one of Sarawak’s paddy production hubs, in line with the goal of achieving 100 per cent rice self-sufficiency.
He requested clarification on the areas identified for development in Limbang and Batu Danau, and called for more Agriculture Facilitation Fund (AFF) allocations to upgrade existing drainage systems and support smallholders, including those relying on farm roads.
On education, Paulus expressed support for the continuation of the Sarawak Education Enhancement Programme (SEEP) in 2026 and proposed that SMK Nanga Medamit be included in the initiative, noting that most of its students come from rural villages.
He welcomed ongoing state assistance such as free laptops for first-year students, book vouchers and the 30 per cent PTPTN repayment subsidy, saying such initiatives help ease the financial burden of Sarawakian families.
