SARATOK: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he will look into the request to upgrade the current wooden longhouse of Rumah (Rh) Rengan, Selambong, here to a concrete structure.
Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), said he had taken note of the remarks made by Kalaka Assemblyman, Mohamad Duri, who pointed out, “Look at this longhouse from the outside – it’s made of wood. Wouldn’t it be better if it were replaced with a concrete one?”
“However, matters involving longhouses currently fall outside the jurisdiction of my ministry. Having said that, I believe we must establish close cooperation, especially for longhouses that need to be relocated.
“What more, with the high cost of timber, it is more suitable that the longhouse be rebuilt with concrete structures.
“I will be discussing this matter further with Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas,” he said.
He said this at the ground-breaking ceremony for the Kampung Kupang-Jalan Bajau junction road project at Rh Rengan, Selambong here today.
On a related development, Zahid said his ministry has already approved a bridge project crossing Sungai Krian here at a cost of RM122 million.
“This bridge is important and it will benefit residents in this and nearby areas, including longhouses and schools,” he said.
On the RM122.5 million Kampung Kupang-Jalan Bajau junction road project approved by the ministry, Zahid expressed his satisfaction with the current status of the project.
“The project has progressed beyond its original target. This is a commendable achievement.
“To the contractor responsible for this road project, I extend my congratulations for completing it ahead of schedule.
“This is what we need – it’s not about payment, no. What matters is the contractor’s performance and commitment to completing the project earlier than planned,” he said.
According to fact sheet by KKDW, Public Works Department (PWD) Sarawak is the implementing agency for the road project and it is being carried out through the Conventional Consultant method.
The scope of the project involves upgrading the existing road to a paved road built to PWD standards over a total length of 19.9 kilometres, as well as the construction of five bridges.
Currently, the road surface is gravel, full of potholes, muddy, and difficult to access for light vehicles.
During the monsoon season, several sections along this stretch are frequently flooded, causing road closures and making it impassable for vehicles.
Thus, once completed, the new road will benefit approximately 5,000 residents in Kampung Kupang, Rh Rabiah, Rh Ganing, Rh Rengan/Selambong, Rh Lakon, Rh Anau, SK Sungai Entebu, SK Nanga Abu and Rh Bajau Baru.
The site possession date was on January 14 this year, and the project is expected to be completed by September 14, 2027, with a construction period of 32 months.
