A GROUP of Orang Ulu from Belaga came by the state legislative assembly to get a first-hand experience of proceedings in the House.
They first called on Belaga assemblyman, Datuk Liwan Lagang who received them on Tuesday.
Temenggong Ajang Sirek said they were excited to witness assembly members debating and taking part in the Q&A session.
“We were delighted to hear replies from the Ministers to our representatives. This is what we wanted to hear because, for so long, we in the rural areas and longhouses have not known what actually transpires in the state legislative assembly meetings,” he said.
“Sometimes, we misunderstand certain things due to information provided by non-government organisations (NGOs) or opposition groups, which may not align with what we have heard here today. So, we are very happy to have come to the Sarawak Legislative Assembly today.
“The large budget for rural areas is indeed pleasing to us. However, we sometimes don’t fully understand why, despite a large budget, some projects remain incomplete or even abandoned,” he said, adding many projects have not been finished yet.
“Our hope now is that, with this budget, any projects undertaken in rural areas will be completed well and without delay.”
Justine Aseh, another visitor in the group, said one of their hopes is the mini stadium and sports complex announced a long time ago which has yet to be implemented.
“This is especially important for our youth in Belaga, as they currently have no place for recreation,”he said.
“For us, the rural youth, this budget should help close the development gap between urban and rural areas. Rural areas are still far behind in terms of infrastructure, which is why we are asking for improvements in agricultural facilities like farm roads and agricultural assistance so we can enjoy the benefits of our state as much as urban residents.
“Rural areas have great assets that can be developed. By building something there, we can encourage our youth to stay. For instance, agricultural and industrial activities like processing plants could be established to keep young people closer to their hometowns,” he added.
Councillor, Kiprawi Mohd Mokhtar meanwhile hoped the government will consider developing affordable housing so more people settle in Belaga, increasing purchasing power and boosting the local economy.
“In rural areas, most agricultural workers are older individuals. The younger generation needs encouragement and support to engage in agro-economy activities like oil palm and livestock farming.
Programmes and incentives should be provided for them to participate in agriculture to boost their socio-economic standing.
“We hope the government will use resources available in places like Bakun and Murum, such as setting up fish farming for our youth.
“There is also potential for factories using ammonia and fertiliser, which would generate employment opportunities for our young people, keeping them in Belaga without needing to migrate,” he added.
