THE Ba’Kelalan State constituency is an area located in the Limbang Division, with the majority of its population being from the Lun Bawang ethnic group.
Ba’Kelalan assemblyman, Baru Bian, shared about the planning, development and issues in the area, which is approximately 4km from the border with Kalimantan, Indonesia.
New Sarawak Tribune: What is your vision for the development of the Ba’Kelalan area?
Baru Bian: My vision has always been to ensure comprehensive connectivity in terms of infrastructure, electricity and internet access for the entire region, which will stimulate economic growth in Ba’Kelalan.
During your tenure as the Ba’Kelalan assemblyman, what are the issues and challenges in your area that you want to highlight?
Ensuring the completion of infrastructures to connect all areas of Ba’Kelalan. This connectivity will act as a catalyst for economic development.
Ensuring electricity connectivity for the entire Ba’Kelalan area.
Enhancing the economic growth and development of the community by assisting them in the development of their Native Customary Rights (NCR) lands and preparing for the economic opportunities arising from the development of the new Indonesian capital.
Continuing to protect NCR lands and forests, which are our heritage and legacy.
What are your proposals to address these issues?
We are fortunate that the infrastructure project I initiated during my time as the Minister of Works, namely the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR, has been approved and budget allocations have been made.
Phase I of the project is currently underway, and Phase II is also in progress.
Regarding electricity supply, I have been informed that the project is ongoing and expected to be completed by 2025.
Meanwhile, in terms of economic development, I have requested government assistance in the production and marketing of our Adan rice, as well as research into the downstream uses of rice in food and beauty products, taking inspiration from Thailand’s advancements in these areas.
What are the recent achievements in your area?
The most recent and significant achievement is the construction of the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR), which allows Sarawakians to travel between Miri, Limbang and Lawas without passing through Brunei.
Previously, the requirement to go through Brunei posed a major inconvenience, especially for those who needed to go to Miri for medical treatment.
Some of these individuals did not have passports and were unable to make the journey.
In order to achieve your aspirations mentioned above, do you have any future plans for your area?
One of our priorities is to prepare the local people to participate in projects, particularly those under Phase II of the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road.
I urge the locals to seize the opportunities that arise and be involved in these projects.
At the same time, I encourage companies undertaking these projects to support our people by providing employment opportunities and necessary training, enabling them to benefit from these projects.
