SIBU: Infrastructure development in Sebedil, Batang Igan, must go beyond improving basic amenities and be leveraged to unlock new economic opportunities for rural communities, particularly in agriculture and livestock farming.
Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan Branch Chairman, Councillor Kevin Lau Kor Jie said better roads, water supply and connectivity would only deliver their full impact when matched with efforts to strengthen local income-generating activities.
He said the Area Development Committee (ADC) could play a more active role in identifying and coordinating economic initiatives suited to the needs and potential of the local community.
“We should not only continue focusing on basic infrastructure such as water and roads, but at the same time look at how we can develop the local economy.
“With the existence of the ADC, we can work together to explore how agriculture and livestock farming can be developed so that the living standards of residents can be improved,” he said at the meet-the-people session at Sungai Sebedil, Batang Igan Tengah, here on Saturday.
Lau, who is also SUPP Youth Chief, said improved road connectivity remained critical to expanding the economic potential of remote communities by reducing access barriers and facilitating the movement of people, goods and agricultural produce.
Among the proposals, he said, was a road alignment linking Kampung Bungan Kecil to Sebedil and subsequently to Sibu, which could significantly improve connectivity if implemented.
“Road development is not merely about making daily travel more convenient. It also determines how effectively local communities can expand their economic activities and connect with larger growth centres such as Sibu,” he said.
He also stressed that political stability in Sarawak remained important in maintaining the continuity of development policies and allowing the state government to sustain its focus on infrastructure, economic growth and education.
He said the next five to 10 years would be particularly important in ensuring that ongoing development efforts continued to translate into long-term benefits for Sarawakians.
“Our Sarawak identity must be valued and protected. This identity is built on strong political stability in Sarawak.
“With strong political stability, the Sarawak Government can focus on developing the state through infrastructure, economic development and strengthening education,” he said.
He added that policy continuity was also necessary to safeguard Sarawak’s interests and sustain efforts to pursue the state’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Lau said such efforts should be viewed not only in terms of immediate development needs, but also as an investment in the future of younger generations.
He further called for closer coordination between community leaders, tuai rumah and residents to ensure local development priorities were properly identified and brought to the attention of the relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, Sungai Sebedil ADC’s Chairman, Mathew Dandi Limbang said agriculture and livestock farming had the potential to become key economic pillars for communities in Batang Igan.
He said crops such as paddy, corn, cocoa and pepper, alongside livestock activities, deserved greater attention as alternative sources of income amid limited employment opportunities in the public sector.
“The limited availability of employment opportunities in the public sector means agriculture and livestock farming are among the areas that can be further explored to generate income for the community,” he said.
Mathew also urged greater attention to be given to development needs in Batang Igan, including Sebedil, Rasau and Tutus, so that communities in these areas could benefit from improved infrastructure and broader economic opportunities.
He also proposed that Batang Igan be included within the Sibu Economic Zone (SEZ), saying this could create a more structured pathway for economic development in the area and generate wider benefits for local communities.
