KUCHING: The longstanding clean water supply issues faced by two rural communities in Sarawak will soon be resolved following the intervention of MERCY Malaysia, Sarawak chapter.
The international non-profit recently visited Rumah Ruekeith Jampong in Langkang Ili and Kampung Tengang Punda in Simunjan to conduct community mapping and focus group discussions (FGD) aimed at understanding the residents’ needs and challenges in accessing clean water.
According to state project coordinator Diana David Itang, both clean water supply projects for the villages have been approved and are set to begin construction soon.
“The purpose of these sessions was to better understand the actual needs of the community with regard to access to clean water, while also encouraging community participation to instil a sense of responsibility for the maintenance of the system once it is completed,” she said in a statement.
In addition to discussions on water accessibility, MERCY Malaysia Sarawak also identified several pressing social and health-related concerns, including limited access to healthcare services and the need for improved basic infrastructure to support overall wellbeing.
“As part of a holistic approach, the team also looked into other needs within the community, particularly in health, education and general welfare,” Diana added.
To promote hygiene and prevent the spread of communicable diseases, MERCY Malaysia Sarawak also distributed 120 sets of hygiene kits to the villagers.
Meanwhile, Tuai Rumah Ruekeith Jampong of Langkang Ili expressed his gratitude and said that the project would provide the first reliable and safe water source for his longhouse, significantly reducing the risk of waterborne diseases and reliance on rainwater harvesting and the contaminated Batang Lupar River.
“The river poses serious health and safety hazards. It has high lead contamination and is infested with crocodiles. This project is a huge relief for us, especially for women, children, and the elderly,” he said.
He also lauded the humanitarian effort by MERCY Malaysia as a valuable model for other underserved communities and expressed hope for future collaboration in health and education development.
Similarly, Tuai Rumah Easter Abi of Kampung Tengang Punda expressed gratitude for being selected for the programme, describing the initiative as vital for the long-term wellbeing of the villagers.
Diana thanked the communities for their cooperation and affirmed that MERCY Malaysia Sarawak will continue its outreach and FGD programmes to bring lasting impact to more rural areas across the state.
