BATANG AI: Rural folk, especially those living in the far, interior of Sarawak still put high hopes that after the conclusion of the 15th general election (GE15), things will change for the better.
Amidst the beautiful landscape at the Batang Ai hydroelectric dam, some people can be seen taking time off to view the reservoir while others are waiting at the jetty for boats to go home to their respective longhouses.
At the jetty, a family consisting of a married couple and their young son, are waiting for transport to go to the market to sell their produce.
42-year-old Man Bunyam, from Rumah Guyu, Nanga Ukum, Engkari in Lubok Antu, wishes to see his longhouse evolves into a modern-day home for his family and other longhouse residents.
“Our longhouse is located far upstream of Batang Ai, where we use boats to move across the reservoir and to go to nearby towns to buy supplies or to sell our vegetables and other produce.
“For me, life has been pretty tough even for my family. Our longhouse is quite old, about 40 years old, it is made out of wood but the condition is rotting,” he said when met by New Sarawak Tribune at the jetty recently.
Even with the hardship he faced all this while, he is grateful that some sort of convenience has reached the longhouse community, which is connectivity.
Telephone signal is still accessible by the longhouse community, he said, adding that this has somewhat changed the way of living in the modern world.
“The Internet can also be accessed by the residents back home thanks to the state government, at least to enable us to know what is happening outside of our community, but it is limited,” said Man.
Needless to say, infrastructure facilities are lacking, not only at Rumah Guyu, but also at other longhouses scattered around the Batang Ai reservoir.
Man added that electricity is still limited as the longhouse residents are still using their own power generator for daily usage especially at night and for electrical appliances.
“We have water but we also want to have clean water. Apart from that, we also require assistance from the state government in repairing and upgrading our longhouse.
“As it gets older and the wooden materials are eroding, we also want our home to be made out of cement and other strong materials that can shelter us and give us comfort at home.
“My point is that, other longhouses across the state have been assisted by the government and they are able to rebuild their home into more modern versions of longhouses,” Man added.
He expressed the hope that in this general election, after the polling day, the elected Member of Parliament for Lubok Antu could get to work and help him and other longhouse communities in Batang Ai to have better infrastructures and other facilities.
“For me, an elected MP needs to understand what we are facing, and what we need is assistance in terms of better infrastructure and facilities.
“Apart from that, as most of us here are fishermen, any aid or initiatives to improve our living standards are welcome and we will appreciate it,” he added.
