SARATOK: A total of 647 solar lights will be installed in all villages and longhouses within the Kalaka state constituency (DUN Kalaka) this year.
Kalaka assemblyman Mohamad Duri said more than RM2 million has been approved by the Sarawak government to implement the project.
“This project has been approved under my 2025 Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) allocation of RM410,000, in addition to RM1.8 million under the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA).
“With this allocation, a total of 363 solar lights will be installed in 24 villages.
“Meanwhile, 119 units will be allocated to longhouses under the jurisdiction of the Saratok District Office, while 165 units will fall under the jurisdiction of the Kabong District Office and the Roban Sub-District Office within DUN Kalaka,” he said yesterday.
He explained that the project aims to improve safety around villages and longhouses, especially at night.
“Previously, we received complaints from various parties about many areas in villages and longhouses being too dark due to the lack of street lighting.
“So, this is our effort to meet the people’s needs. Hopefully, once implemented, it will provide significant benefits to the local communities in terms of comfort and safety.”
Separately, the Administrative Officer in Charge of the Roban Sub-District Office, Steve Miller Nuas, has conducted visits to several longhouses to identify suitable areas for installing solar lamp posts.
Among the longhouses in DUN Kalaka located in the Roban area are Rumah Panjang Sanggat, Sungai Ruan, Lim, Metong, Bia, Batu Burak, Rimbu, Tinting Balai Nyumpit, Gandik Lui, Sungai Engkabang, Cessus Clay, Sungai Engkabang Tengah, Andrew Laja, Sungai Menua, Nicholas, Tinting 2000, Augustine, Empayak, Ali Randi, Sungai Baru, Sait, Anta Jelupang Baruh, Luna, Sungai Nyiar, Embol, Sungai Anak and Rumah Panjang Luna, Nyiar.
Earlier, Mohamad met with residents on the ground to see their needs firsthand.
“I also regularly hold meetings with the community at the service centre to discuss applications and address issues they face.
“Certainly, by practicing face-to-face engagement to hear each issue or concern, with the help of all related agencies, we are able to resolve the matters raised effectively.
“Therefore, I encourage community leaders (KMKK) and the general public not to hesitate to come to the service centre.
“Insya-Allah, we can discuss if there’s anything that requires attention,” he added.
