KUCHING: Residents in the Saribas state constituency have been urged to retain their original addresses in voter registration records to ensure continued growth in the number of voters in the area.
Deputy Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam, said the call follows the implementation of automatic voter registration at age 18, which has significantly altered the voter composition.
He noted that the number of voters in Saribas has now exceeded 17,000, compared to around 11,000 two to three terms ago and about 8,000 previously.
“In fact, Saribas now records the highest number of voters within the Betong parliamentary constituency,” he said after officiating the Lan Berambeh Ringgo Rayo Urang Debak 2026 ceremony at the Matang Customs Academy Hall on Sunday.
Razi said that although many have relocated for work and housing, their ties to their hometown remain strong, particularly evident during festive seasons when large numbers return, often resulting in traffic congestion and increased pressure on village infrastructure.
“Many still have family homes in Saribas, but their children’s addresses are registered in urban areas. This affects the voter base in rural constituencies,” he said.
He stressed that parents play a crucial role in ensuring their children retain their original addresses so they remain registered voters in Saribas upon turning 18.
“If addresses are not maintained, the number of voters in the original constituency will be affected, even though they still have roots there,” he added.
At the same time, he said that strengthening the voter base is important for supporting sustained development in the area, which is currently undergoing gradual transformation.
Among ongoing initiatives are the construction of a new district mosque in Debak, a 245-lot settlement scheme expected to accommodate future population growth, and improved road connectivity to enhance accessibility between villages.
He noted that improved infrastructure, including new road links, has already reduced travel times between areas and contributed to increased economic activity, with shop units seeing strong demand.
However, he acknowledged that rapid development has also brought new challenges, particularly traffic congestion in expanding areas such as Debak Laut.
“Development will inevitably bring challenges, and we are working with relevant agencies, including Public Works Department (PWD), Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia (DID), Land and Survey, and traffic authorities to find solutions,” he said.
