TANJUNG MANIS: Over 50 longhouses along Jalan Tanjung Manis-Sibu are set to benefit from a water supply project with an allocation of RM264 million.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol said the longhouse communities from Sibu to Bawang Assan and up to Simpang Ketam, who have yet to receive water supply, will benefit from this project.

The Semop Assemblyman added that the allocation has been approved by Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, and the project is expected to address the rural water supply issues.

"Following this, all longhouses along Jalan Tanjung Manis-Sibu will receive water supply," he said.

He mentioned this during the Semop Gawai Celebration 2024 at Rumah Peter Minggat here, on Friday.

Earlier, Datuk Abdullah also informed about the proposed construction of a road from Mupong Muara, Mupong Ulin to Kampung Sebenak via Sungai Kilas leading to Jalan Sibu-Tanjung Manis, costing RM56 million. 

The project is currently in the site application process and is expected to commence by mid-2025.

Meanwhile, Tanjong Manis Member of Parliament, Ir Yusuf Abd Wahab said, all elected representatives are always attentive to the needs of the people, especially in rural areas.

He mentioned that the competition among elected representatives to implement development projects is incredibly positive as it aims to meet the needs of the people.

"Under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) administration led by the Sarawak Premier, many developments have been implemented through Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) projects and others focusing on rural areas.

"The ongoing development, particularly these road projects, will undoubtedly assist the areas, mainly comprised of farmers and fishermen, in marketing their products more easily and quickly," he added.

The Gawai programme at Rumah Peter Minggat was the final event in the Gawai Tour series for the Semop constituency. -UKASnews