FOUR areas between Selangau and Kanowit in Sibu, Sarawak, are expected to experience rapid development once a road linking Sekuau with Ulu Oya and Ulu Pakoh is completed.
The four areas – Tamin, Kakus, Ngemah and Machan – are predominantly Iban areas.
Selangau MP Edwin Banta wants the road project to come with basic amenities.
“This project has been brought up in the Mid Rajang Development Agency agenda,” he said.
He added that Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had announced a start-up allocation of RM1.5mil for the road project.
The plan and details of the project, said Edwin, would be drafted soon.
Community leaders, longhouse chiefs and government officials from the respective areas would also collectively discuss the ideas and development plans to be implemented, he said.
On another matter, Edwin said the Land and Development Board (LCDA) had expressed interest in bringing in a company to develop sugarcane plantations and build a sugar factory in the area, but this plan did not materialise.
“I have yet to discuss with community leaders and tribal chiefs to find out why this plan did not come to fruition.
“If this plan materialises, it can ensure continuous progress of this area,” he said during a police appreciation ceremony held in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee of the Rascom Scheme.
Edwin said the service and sacrifices of the security forces, particularly the police, who fought during the communist insurgency in the 1970s were highly valued.
“Tonight’s event is held to commemorate their struggle,” he added.