REPOK assemblyman Datuk Seri Huang Tiong has called for the development of an affordable housing project in Sarikei to address the homeownership issues faced by B40 income group residents.
He said that Sarikei, being an agricultural town with the majority of its residents comprising the B40 income group, the initiative would not only ease the financial burden on low-income earners but also play a crucial role in fostering socio-economic harmony, stability and balance within the local community.
“I appreciate the attention given by the Sarawak Premier to implement an affordable housing project in Sarikei in the 2024 State Budget.
“However, I request the Ministry to provide clarification on the actual number of units planned for construction in Sarikei from the total 1,481 units involving six divisions, as announced in the 2024 State Budget,” he said when debating the 2024 Supply Bill in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today (Nov 22).
On another matter, Huang proposed for the construction of a new commercial jetty along Sungai Nyelong, utilising the allocation from the port development, navigation safety and the ongoing riverine projects in the Supply (2024) Bill.
“The original commercial jetty at Sungai Nyelong is now dilapidated and unsafe for commercial use by trucks and lorries.
“Given Sarikei’s strategic geographical location near Tanjung Manis, surrounded by Sungai Rajang, Sungai Sarikei and Sungai Nyelong, a functional commercial jetty is crucial for trade and water transportation in the region,” he added.
HHHe also spoke on the shortage of parking spaces at the Sarikei Health Clinic, which has resulted in vehicles being parked on the roadside, causing traffic congestion and raising road safety concerns.
Therefore, he proposed the old Sarikei Hospital site, Lot 1066, Block 48, Sarikei Land District to be converted into a public parking area for the Sarikei Health Clinic, given its proximity.
Additionally, he urged relevant agencies to address road damage at the Kim San Intersection of the Pan Borneo Highway; and insufficient street lighting along the roads of Meruton-Simpang Jakar, Kwong Ming-Minah and Baji Sentebu.
He said despite numerous complaints from residents and submissions from his service centre, no action has been taken by the Ministry or relevant agencies.
“Therefore, on behalf of the residents of Repok constituency, I convey their desire and necessity for the Sarawak government to consider addressing these infrastructural issues immediately,” he added.
