KUCHING: Community leaders from Sg Asap have voiced out their disagreement over the State government’s proposal to move Sg Asap sub-district to Sebauh.
Penghulu Saging Bit, pemanca Umek Jeno and pemanca Tony Kulleh in a joint press statement said the move would cause hardship to the local people.
Saging said the Orang Ulu in Sg Asap and Belaga are united and would not allow any efforts to break Sg Asap away from Belaga.
“I would like to warn those who are trying to disturb our unity,” he said.
He added that the proposal should be discussed with the local community before any decision is made.
“Instead, we hope the authority would upgrade Sg Asap into a full district,” he said.
Meanwhile, Umek suggested the Sarawak government to upgrade Belaga, Sg Asap and Baram into a division for the Orang Ulu community since the Orang Ulu does not have an administrative division yet.
“Other ethnic groups have divisions created for them just like Serian, Kota Samarahan, Betong and Mukah.
“As such, it is high time that a division is also created for the Orang Ulu community,” he stressed.
He pointed out that if the areas are upgraded into a division, there would be better infrastructure and job opportunities for the Orang Ulu community.
Umek said the Orang Ulu has sacrificed so much in giving up their precious land for the development of Bakun HEP Dam.
“So, we hope the Sarawak government will listen to our voices not to further break us apart but instead to unite us,” he said.
Tony, of Kenyah ethnicity, was shocked over news of the proposal, saying his community was against such move.
“It is better to upgrade Sg Asap sub-district into a full district. What we want is to remain united and not to further divide us,” he said.
He also suggested that the four Kenyah villages in Ulu Belaga — Sang Anau, Long Jawie, Long Busang and Long Unai, be given back to Belaga district.
“We want all these four villages to be returned to Belaga district because we are all from the same roots,” he said.
On Feb 15, Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon and Belaga assemblyman Datuk Liwan Lagang spoke out against a proposal to move the administration of Sg Asap sub-district to be under Sebauh district.
Both of them said they were not consulted over the move.
Kennedy said the Orang Ulu community leaders will hand over an objection letter to the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg when he visits Sg Asap on Feb 29.
