Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong
Last 05 May, 2013 Election Result:
1. Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong (BN -PRS) – 9,117 votes
2. Abun Sui Anyit (PKR) – 3,283 votes
3. George Lagong (SWP) – 2,129 votes
Majority: – 5,834 votes
HULU Rajang (P. 216) is Malaysia’s largest parliamentary constituency covering an area of 31,827 km square. It is almost the same size as Pahang, West Malaysia’s largest state. It comprises the three state constituencies of Baleh (N.64), Belaga (N.65) and Murum (N.66) which are represented by Tan Sri Datuk Amar James Jemut Masing (BNPRS), Liwan Lagang (BN-PRS) and Chukpai Ugon (BN-PRS) respectively.
The electorate is mainly made up of Orang Ulu, Iban, Malay, Melanau and Chinese. Hydroelectric dams Hulu Rajang is home to the Bakun Hydroelectric Dam (2400mw), Asia’s biggest hydroelectric dam outside of China.
Two other dams – Baleh and Murum – are also located within the parliamentary constituency. Hence, this area is very critical to the development of the whole of Sarawak. Two of the dams – Bakun and Murum – have already been built while Baleh Dam is expected to be completed by 2025. The three dams will produce a total of 5,400MW of electricity, enough to power the State’s industries under SCORE (Sarawak Corridor Of Renewable Energy).
The over 400 longhouses in the constituency will have basic infrastructure and amenities like electricity and clean water. Priority will also be given to connect them to the outside world by erecting telecommunication towers to enhance mobile services and Internet access. Roads and Bridges The newly completed Baleh Bridge is now able to provide accessibility to Majong, Bukit Mabong (Tunoh) and Putai where the proposed Baleh Dam is located.
The 10km road project from Belaga town to Long Dungan undertaken by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development will eventually improve connectivity for the local people, particularly the Sekapan of Punan Ba, downstream of Belaga town.
The Upper Rajang Development Authority (URDA) established under the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) Ordinance 2006 (4b) will spur development in an area as large as 38,000 km square.
URDA is tasked with developing SCORE, covering the districts of Kapit, Belaga, Song and Kanowit. Many enterprising businessmen have seized the opportunity arising from the dams to venture into the tourism industry, capitalising on the vast and scenic reservoirs and the fascinating rural settings.
The once-outpost Belaga town is now busy with traders and travellers alike where Maybank and Bank Simpanan Nasional have already set up branches. In the last decade, the Barisan National Government has spent hundreds of millions of ringgit on projects in the area – Bakun Menjawah, Belaga Road, Belaga Health Clinic, Malaysia Pepper Board, Bakun Trust Fund and electricity supply, just to mention a few.
