BUKIT Semuja Assemblyman, John Ilus, has urged the Sarawak Government and relevant agencies to take clear and firm action on major issues such as the oil and gas dispute, flood problems, farming improvements, and rural housing.
He said this when debating in support of the motion of appreciation to the Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s speech in the August house today.
John highlighted the urgent need to resolve the ongoing conflict between PETRONAS and PETROS, criticising outside parties for manipulating the issue and pointing out that the contentious Petroleum Development Act 1974, which was enacted under a now-revoked Emergency Proclamation, has never been presented in the Assembly for scrutiny.
“Doubts remain about the validity and enforceability of the PDA 1974, which was enacted during the Emergency Proclamation revoked in 2011.
“We stand firmly behind the wisdom of our leaders to resolve this crisis for the benefit of Sarawak, our long-neglected region,” he said.
Addressing the recent severe floods in Bintulu and Serian divisions, particularly in Bukit Semuja, John urged an immediate reassessment of critical infrastructure, highlighting the need to review the Pan Borneo Highway stretch from Simpang Kampung Hulu Serian to Kampung Ranchan due to insufficient and undersized culverts that caused floodwaters to pool.
He also requested the government to raise road levels at frequently flooded sites such as Simpang Slabi Sangkam and Simpang Sorak Melayu and to develop better drainage and flood mitigation measures upstream along the Batang Sadong, Batang Kayan, and Batang Kedup rivers to prevent sudden flooding downstream.
Highlighting insights from the recent Regional Agriculture Conference in Sibu, John stressed that Sarawak faces a food trade deficit of RM6.44 billion in 2024, underscoring a heavy reliance on imported food.
He urged the government to adopt a bold, cluster-based approach in focusing agricultural development on suitable crops for different areas, promoting modern, technology-driven farming to attract youth and ensure food security.
“Currently, farmers often pursue popular crops without proper planning. A focused strategy and stronger R&D (research and development) will improve yields and mastery,” he said.
John also suggested reviewing land policies, taking lessons from countries like Vietnam and Thailand, to better support agricultural growth.
Noting the growing popularity of coffee cultivation among smallholders, John proposed establishing a dedicated regulatory body to oversee the coffee sector, potentially under the Malaysian Cocoa Board’s management, to ensure proper regulation and policy implementation.
John appealed for a Sarawak Housing Scheme to help rural residents, especially youths building homes on ancestral lands without formal titles, suggesting a programme tailored to local needs and separate from existing national housing schemes.
He also urged the reintroduction of Sarawak history in the primary school curriculum to help younger generations appreciate the state’s heritage and avoid repeating past mistakes.
The assemblyman again called for a federal government complex in Serian, pushed for the quick completion of SMK Serian 2 and SK Sri Sadong, and urged the setting up of the Serian District Council to improve governance in Bukit Semuja, Serian, and Gedong.
