DR Simon Sinang Bada (GPS-Tebedu) calls on the government to elevate Padawan from a sub-district to a full district.
“With a population exceeding 70,000 and covering 62 villages, Padawan has met the criteria for district status. Upgrading Padawan would enhance the delivery of public services and better serve the diverse needs of its residents,” he said.
Simon said this during his debate in support of the Supply Bill 2025 today (Nov 14).
He also called on the government to address stagnant allowances for community and village heads, adding that these grassroots leaders are under significant pressure to meet rising public expectations
Dr Simon went on to urge the state to increase their allowances to reflect the growing responsibilities they face.
In his speech, he also called for more support for Tebedu’s farmers, urging the government to prioritise comprehensive training programmes and capacity-building initiatives to ensure farmers benefit from Sarawak’s status as a high-income economy.
He said the need for practical support goes beyond subsidies and advocated for extension services to boost productivity.
Land documentation efforts also took centre stage, as he praised the successful collaboration between the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) and the Sarawak Land and Survey Department, which provided individual land titles to villagers in Tebedu. This initiative, he noted, empowers local communities and ensures their land rights are secured.
Additionally, he raised concerns over the delayed RM100 million redevelopment of the Tebedu Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) facility. He urged both state and federal governments to expedite improvements, citing concerns over border security and the need for modernised facilities to curb smuggling and illegal activities.
