MIRI: A health clinic should be built at Long Luteng by the Patah River in Ulu Baram to serve the local people and surrounding communities.
Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing Dr Annuar Rapaee said all the Penan longhouses or settlements are situated in a rather remote area, with the nearest health clinic located about two hours away at a Kayan longhouse at Long Bedian Sungai Apoh.
He added that there is a need for more accessible medical facilities to cater to not only folk from Long Luteng, but also 18 other Penan longhouses nearby.
Dr Annuar said according to the Health Ministry, in order to build a hospital, the area should have about 38,000 residents.
Likewise, he pointed out that in order to build a clinic, it also depends on the population.
“I will ask the Health Ministry and state Health Department (JKNS) whether there are any future plans.
“I think it is justifiable to have one clinic here because they have 19 villages with a population of about 5,000.
“Not only that, they have to travel two hours to the nearest clinic in Long Bedian. They have to hire private transport services that can cost a few hundred ringgit, which almost all families here cannot afford,” he said.
He said this to the media after closing the Agriculture Community Outreach Programme (AgriCOP) in Long Luteng last Saturday.
He also said that Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau has brought this request up during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sittings before.
“I think it is not logical to drive for two hours just to get to the nearest clinic.
“If they are unable to place a doctor at the clinic, at least medical assistants are stationed here so that those with health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes don’t need to go all the way to Long Bedian,” he added.
Dr Annuar also assured that he will provide feedback to Dennis and the local community in two to three weeks’ time.
On the programme, Dr Annuar expressed his gratitude to the Agriculture Department and hoped the programme will truly benefit the participants to further uplift their standard of living.
He also appealed to the Penan community to continue supporting Dennis as their wakil rakyat (elected representative) and the state government as it had proved itself to be capable in delivering development to all parts of the state.
“I will continue to work with Dennis to ensure that what has been requested and planned can be fully implemented in the future,” he said.
