KUCHING: Blockades are not the answer to land claims or disputes over the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR) project.
Selangau MP Baru Bian who made this clear said such courses of action would only disrupt and delay the completion of the project.
He said any such disputes should instead be referred to the courts or arbitrators.
“I have been spending a considerable time in northern Sarawak lately and am happy to note that work on the SSLR is in progress.
“I would like to request the people in the areas where the work is being carried out to cooperate and support this project as it is one that we have been looking forward to.
“I am willing to mediate between all parties and stakeholders including the government if that can make way for all parties to come to satisfactory agreements.
“And I am hopeful that the subsequent phases would also be implemented in a timely fashion,” he said in a statement today.
Additionally, he said it would be beneficial for all involved if either the federal or Sarawak government representatives, or both, organise a meet-the-people session to explain the project in detail to avoid misunderstanding.
Baru who is also Ba’Kelalan assemblyman said the people want new roads and the expected impact on the economy of the surrounding areas.
But, he said, some are understandably anxious about the effect of the project on their lands and property.
“To ensure that the locals benefit directly and immediately from the project, I wish to encourage the contractors who are implementing the project to engage and employ eligible and experienced locals to work on the worksites.
“I have been asked by some locals living along the Lawas Damit Road why contractors for the SSLR are allowed to use the road.
“My response is that the Lawas Damit Road is a gazetted public road and therefore is open for all to use,” he added.
He said should there be any destruction of any part of the road caused by the contractors or any private individuals who constantly use the road, complaints may be made to the Public Works Department (PWD) or local district office.
He hoped that all parties – the government, the contractors and the people will cooperate to ensure the completion of the SSLR according to schedule.
This, he said, is a crucial infrastructure link for Sarawak, particularly for the northern region, and will bring much needed economic benefits to the area, and to Sarawak.
“It will also make our road infrastructure on par with that of Kalimantan Indonesia, and place us in a better position to take advantage of the benefits which are expected to flow into Sarawak and Sabah when the new capital of Indonesia is completed.”
