LUBOK ANTU: Batang Ai assemblyman Datuk Malcolm Mussen Lamoh has urged the government to improve the infrastructure and amenities in his constituency.
He requested especially for a dual-carriageway to connect the constituency to the Pan Borneo Highway or a special purpose railway that would go all the way to the deep seaport of Tanjong Manis or other destinations.
He pointed out that the special purpose railway could cater for bulk-handling or trucking of goods if a proper inland port was to be developed in the constituency.
Mussen also proposed that a light industrial estate for semi-finished products (timber-based or minerals) and an agrotechnology park be set up in the border town.
“This is considering the abundance of local products, materials, as well as the rich flora and fauna that can be utilised and processed downstream in order to boost up the local economy while providing more job opportunities,” said the Assistant Minister of International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development.
“For example, with the expressed interest in aquaculture products from our hydro-electric power (HEP) dam, a proper platform for investors, local players and supporting services should be put in place either by the government or under the 3P concept (public private partnership) involving reputable technology providers,” he added.
Mussen made the comments when speaking during Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s official visit to Lubok Antu at the Lubok Antu Sports Complex today.
The people’s representative also hoped that the various projects approved in or around the Batang Ai constituency would be implemented as soon as possible.
He said these projects included the extension of Ng Kesit-Ulu Engkari/Lemanak road (Phase II & III) under the State Budget 2021, the 25-km Ulu Batang Ai Road valued at RM187.5 million, and distribution lines for water supply (Phase II) projects for Lubok Antu District valued at RM117.8 million.
He also stated the floating solar power project at Batang Ai dam and the new Engkilili Water Treatment Plant with initial capacity of 75 MLD valued at RM220 million.
“My special request is for the Utility Ministry to use the most recent water treatment technology without the use of chemicals which is detrimental to the health and wellbeing of consumers,” he said.
Mussen added other pertinent issues and people’s projects which had to be addressed in his constituency included the conversion of the land in the Batang Ai Resettlement Scheme area developed by the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra) into native customary rights (NCR) land.
“The issue of telecommunication service lines needs to be expedited and extended to all users. In addition, there is the issue of frequent blackouts caused by grid lines worn out for over 30 years,” he said.
Another matter which needed addressing, added Mussen, was additional funds to expand the Lubok Antu waterfront, involving two concrete suspension bridges crossing the Batang Ai River, which would benefit the residents of five nearby villages.
“Let the design be more unique and aesthetic in order to brighten up the atmosphere in this town,” he suggested.
