KUCHING: Six areas in Baram will be run as districts and sub-districts, beginning this Aug 1.
The new districts are Beluru and Telang Usan, while the sub-districts are Mulu, Long Bedian, Tinjar and Bario.
In addition, the state government has agreed to construct the Long Lama Bridge to enable the communities there to cross the Baram River with ease.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem said he would officiate at a launch for the new project on July 30 to prove that the state government was sincere in helping Baram folk.
“I have agreed to the building of the bridge. To prove it, I will launch it (project) on July 30,” he said in receiving a delegation of 39 leaders Baram communities comprising the Kenyahs, Kayans, Kelabits, Penans, Sabans, Ibans, Chinese, Berawans and Lakiputs at Wisma Bapa Malaysia near Petra Jaya here yesterday.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu and Deputy State Secretary Datu Ose Murang also welcomed the delegation, which was led by Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau.
Adenan said the courtesy call by Baram community leaders was to show their support for the government, as well as to submit their request for the Long Lama Bridge.
“They thank the state government for not just reducing the ferry rate to RM1, but also for the creation of the new districts.”
To a question, Adenan said the community leaders had indicated that they were all for the construction of Baram Dam.
However, he immediately remarked: “But I will make a decision later only after I have heard from all the parties concerned.”
Meanwhile, Dennis described the meeting as fruitful, stating that community leaders from Ulu Baram and Telang Usan were excited for the opportunity to meet Adenan.
“We came all the way from Baram and I’m very thankful that the chief minister could meet us. We want to stay united so that together, we could progress further.
“As the state government focuses on rural development, we shall continue to stay united and support the government. Delegation like this has never happened before. So with all the communities coming to show their support, I look forward to good things to happen, especially in Telang Usan.”
On the Long Lama Bridge, Dennis said the local folk had to rely on the current ferry service, which does not operate beyond 8pm.
“Long Lama is a bazaar across the Baram River. When we have the bridge to connect the bazaar with the other side of the river, it is estimated that 200,000 people would benefit from the project. The bridge will also serve as an alternative route to Limbang, as well as to Mulu National Park.
“The ferry service restricts our movement because it closes after 8pm. For those who need the service after 8pm, they need to pay RM200 to RM300 – even that, they could get the service only if the operator agreed to it.”
It is learned that the proposed Long Lama bridge would span approximately 100m, costing some RM100 million to build and would take about three years to complete.
- Borneo Post Online
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