KAPIT: The federal government will provide allocations for the purpose of upgrading longhouses across Sarawak to ensure the rural community enjoys a standard of living comparable to urban areas.
After making an announcement on approving RM1 million to upgrade Richard Engking’s longhouse here, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Patinggi Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he will find ways to provide allocations for other longhouses in Sarawak.
“I am also confident that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as the Minister of Finance, will approve the application if Works Minister and Kapit MP Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi applies for it and I will offer my support, especially for the longhouses in the Kapit area,” he said.
He gave the undertaking during the ‘Leaders with the Community’ programme at Rumah Richard Engking here on Saturday (June 3).
Earlier, Zahid who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister approved a total allocation of RM1.3 million for the upgrade of Rumah Richard Engking and other facilities.
“I will not come here empty handed and therefore, today I approved the allocation of RM1 million to repair and upgrade this longhouse which is over 40 years old. At the same time, I approved another RM300,000 for the rewiring and piping project here.
“This is my gift to the residents of 45 doors comprising 48 families in the longhouse here,” he said
Earlier, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions) Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong requested that the federal government continue to assist the Sarawak government in its efforts to upgrade essential facilities in the state.
“Rural communities also require reliable basic amenities such as telecommunications, water supply and electricity.
“We sincerely hope that our request for the upgrading of these longhouses in the interior will also be approved,” he said.
The Hulu Rajang MP also said Rumah Richard Engking holds tourism potential and therefore hopes a proposal can be submitted to Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing for the said longhouse to be featured as a tourist attraction in Kapit.
