JULAU: The Sarawak government has agreed to build a new petrol station to meet the demands of commuters in the Julau area.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg agreed to the request made during the leader-with-people programme here, on Today.
He said due to the high number of vehicles on the road, the state government through SEDC Energy will build the petrol station.
SEDC Energy, as the subsidiary of the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), is an energy company that makes catalysts for the renewable energy industry in Sarawak.
“We will get the local people to be involved too and let them to work in handling the petrol station later.
“The increasing number of vehicles means that the economy in this area has improved, and the local income has also improved,” he said in his speech at the event.
He added that besides the petrol station, he also approved an allocation of RM74 million for a water supply project in the area.
“This project will be done by the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB).
“I approved it because the state government has the money and I know this project, the people have been waiting for it. And we, the state government, will do it as we cannot wait for the Ministry of Rural Development (KPLB),” he said.
Meanwhile, during a press conference, Abang Johari said the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government would continue to implement more development programmes in Julau.
“This is because the two areas, Pakan and Meluan are part of the Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA) which has several project plans that will have an impact on the development of the entire area.
“The two people’s representatives in the Julau area, namely Tan Sri William Mawan and Roland Duat, have proposed several projects that would change the landscape in Julau.
“The agricultural sector is very vibrant here especially for its pepper production and when income increases, of course, the way of life also improves.
“But this is not enough, we have to add some more projects that will raise the income level of the people in Julau,” Abang Johari pointed out.
He said Julau has lost a term of holistic development and hoped to wrest back Julau after the 15th general election (GE15).
“That is why we need a strong collaboration between the state and the federal governments through the Member of Parliament.
“We hope that we can build the collaboration so that we can provide a booster to the development here,” he said.
