LAWAS (P222) Lawas on path to greater development

Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
Telegram
Email

HENRY SUM AGONG (BN-PBB)
Last 05 May, 2013 Election Result:
1.Henry Sum Agong (BN-PBB) – 9,928 votes
2.Baru Langup (PR-DAP) – 3,898 votes
3.Alirahman Kamseh (IND) – 69 votes
Majority: – 6,030 votes

THE parliamentary constituency of Lawas (P. 222), which is represented by Datuk Henry Sum Agong, comprises the state seats of Ba’kelalan (N. 81) and Bukit Sari (N. 82) which are represented by Baru Bian (PR-PKR) and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan (BNPBB) respectively.

Bario Highland which is in the southern end of Lawas is a popular tourist destination, well known for its cool climate, friendly people and Bario Rice or Adan Rice. Many travellers are also attracted to the Lawas Waterfront, Lawas Stage Plateau, Anjung Sari Food Court and Lawas Public Park. Hotel Seri Malaysia Lawas, a starrated hotel, is popular with tourists and traders alike.

With plans to build the Trusan Dam to provide additional water and energy to the district, Lawas is continuing on the path of greater development. The dam project is meant to bring about more development to the highland areas, including Lawas and Limbang under the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA).

See also  Teachers' salary increase proposal under discussion

During a visit to Lawas in July, 2017 Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abg Johari Tun Abg Openg announced that the government would proceed with the dam. In August this year, Deputy Minister of Domest ic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Datuk Henry Sum Agong and several stakeholders set up the Highland Development Agency (HDA) committee for Lawas. Through HDA, the people in the highlands can expect to see more infrastructure development including electricity and clean water supply.

Buffalo – Iconic emblem of Lawas.
A section of modern Lawas town.
A Lun Bawang beauty contest.

The government is giving top priority to the upgrading of the Lawas-Ba’Kelalan Road, with special consideration to the stretch linking Lawas and Limbang district with Miri. The Sabah-Sarawak Gas Pipeline (SSPG) passes through the highlands. Trusan hydroelectricity power (HEP) will provide water and electricity while new trading centres at Ba’ kelalan and Long Semadoh will be established under the Rural Growth Centre (RGC) project.

Hence, economic activities will be enhanced through the boosting of tourism and large-scale farming of livestock to meet the demand for halal meat especially in Brunei. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said it is time for the State to embrace the digital economy and propel itself towards a developed State.

See also  Street Hawking now trend for young entrepreneurs in Terengganu

In view of the state’s abundant resources, he said that emphasis would be given to the development of small and medium industries , pointing out that Lawas has the potential to develop more cottage industries. “The government will always be there to extend help to those involved in the cottage industry by providing expertise, advice, financial support, and various other forms of assistance,” assured Awang Tengah. Awang Tengah also praised Henry Sum for serving his constituents regardless of race and religion.

Lawas Wet Market.
A Lun Bawang wedding.
Houses by the Lawas River.
Chinese temple at Jalan Bunga Teratai.

“Lawas is fortunate to have him as their MP as he is also a deputy minister in the Federal Cabinet. “He is a grassroot-oriented leader and has made many late night trips from KK to Lawas to meet the people.

“I hope when the time comes and the need arises, the people of Lawas will give him their full support,” he said. Awang Tengah who is also Assemblyman for Bukit Sari, said plans are in place to upgrade basic infrastructures in Lawas such as roads, electricity, clean water suppy and telecommunication.

Download from Apple Store or Play Store.