BINTULU: More development is needed in the Tubau area of the Murum constituency to uplift its residents in today's modern era.

Federal Deputy Minister of Digital, Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong said that despite significant transformation and development in Tubau, some longhouse residents still rely on boats for transportation to their homes.

“As a Member of Parliament in the Murum state constituency, I humbly request the consideration and kind assistance of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government to build the Ulu Tubau and Ulu Jelalong roads, which locals currently rely on dirt roads and boats for access to their longhouses.

“I have been informed that the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and the Bintulu Rural Development Committee are responsible for executing these projects, and I trust that BDA will accelerate both the implementation and planning of approved and pending projects.

“Approval and implementation of these projects will not only ease local commuting and daily activities but also reduce fuel and vehicle maintenance costs,” he said at a Gawai Dayak Ngiling Tikai 2024 ceremony at Rumah Lichong Along, Tubau, here, on Sunday.

On a separate note, the Hulu Rajang Member of Parliament also promised to escalate the proposal for increasing the number of community leaders in the Tubau area to higher authorities.

“The Tubau area is now becoming increasingly crowded with a rising population. Therefore, I request that additional headman positions be appointed to streamline the administration of our village chiefs and community leaders in this area.

“Furthermore, we also request the establishment of a small district for Tubau (new township) since this will benefit the residents in this area, making it easier for them to deal with government offices and providing comprehensive facilities such as markets, health clinics, banks, and so on,” he added.

Also present during the ceremony were Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president, Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Liwan Lagang, Sarawak Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, Murum Assemblyman, Kennedy Chukpai Ugon, Bukit Begunan Assemblyman, Datuk Mong Dagang, Bintulu Division Resident, Nyurak Keti, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews