REPOK assemblyman, Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii, highlighted the urgent need for treated water supply for communities in Ulu Sungai Rusa, Sarikei.
In his debate at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today, Huang stressed that access to clean and treated water is a fundamental necessity that should be equally available to both urban and rural residents.
However, he revealed that several remote settlements in the interior of Sarikei are still without proper access to this basic necessity.
“The affected areas include Sungai Mawang and Sungai Kuap in Ulu Sungai Rusa, involving eight longhouses and a church.
“I sincerely hope that the planning and implementation of this project can be expedited to provide new hope and a more comfortable life for the people in Sarikei’s interior who have long awaited this change,” he said 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.
In his speech, Huang also highlighted the increasingly urgent need for affordable housing projects in Sarikei, particularly among young families and civil servants with moderate incomes.
“This issue must be taken seriously to ensure no group is left behind in owning a comfortable and affordable home.
“Beyond shelter, it symbolises life stability, family security, and improved quality of life.
“Therefore, it is only fitting that the government gives due consideration to the implementation of affordable housing projects in Sarikei,” he said.
Huang mentioned that streetlights play a critical role in ensuring road user safety, especially at night.
“Hua Ee Road in Sungai Pasi continues to suffer from inadequate lighting, raising safety concerns for local residents and road users,” he said.
Huang also said that the development of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is essential in producing a highly skilled workforce and supporting the growth of the industrial sector, especially in Sarawak.
“TVET not only offers an alternative pathway to mainstream education but also plays a major role in meeting the increasingly complex and competitive job market demands,” he said.
Huang also raised issues about the construction of Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication (SMART) telecommunication towers, before urging the responsible authorities to expedite the next phase of implementation to ensure these towers are fully operational.
“This is a significant step towards realising comprehensive Internet coverage, particularly in rural and remote areas.
“This initiative will not only strengthen communication but also open up inclusive economic and social development opportunities,” he said.
Huang mentioned about the lack of organised industrial areas with complete infrastructure that often hinders business expansion and investment entry.
“The government should consider establishing a Mini Industrial Park in Sarikei.
“This step would stimulate local economic growth and create more job opportunities for youth and residents in the area,” he said.
To boost economic development, Huang emphasised the need for a larger hall in Sarikei.
“The current hall can only accommodate about 1,000 people, while the population continues to grow each year.
“This limits the ability to hold large-scale programmes that benefit the local community,” he said.
