BETONG: Betong Member of Parliament, Dato Dr Richard Rapu, along with the Public Works Department (JKR) of Betong Division, conducted a working visit to several locations around Spak to inspect infrastructure frequently affected by floods on Thursday.

The visit focused on bridges and landslide-prone areas requiring immediate attention.

The first site visited was the bridge across Sungai Spak at Nanga Mujau, which has suffered repeated damage due to severe flooding.

In a recent development, Dato Dr Richard Rapu announced that funding for the construction of a new bridge has been approved under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development through the 12th Malaysia Plan.

According to him, this visit followed JKR Betong Division’s earlier assessment as the implementing agency. The project is currently in the site planning phase and will enter the design stage before going to tender in the third quarter of 2025.

"The new bridge will be designed with more practical specifications, increased height, and improved resilience to withstand flood currents, to prevent recurring damage," he said.

The second site inspected was Rumah Panjang Jambai Bunsu in Kerapa, Spak, where a review was conducted on a landslide area behind the longhouse, as well as the bridge over Sungai Nyelutong, which was also impacted by heavy flooding.

In a discussion with residents and JKR Betong Division representatives, several proposed solutions were put forward and will be presented to the Betong Division Resident’s Office and the Betong Division Disaster Management Committee Chairman for further action.

Also present during the working visit were Assistant Engineer of JKR Betong Division, Steward Ludan, Administrative Officer of the Betong Division Resident’s Office, Amir Ridzuan Mohammad, Sarawak Land Development Board Civil Engineer, Raphael Churchill Raymond, and Deputy Chairman of Betong District Council, Councillor Horace Entoi. -UKASnews