MUKAH: The rural communities here hope that under the new political entity, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), its leaders will pay more attention to their welfare and provide greater development in the state.
New Sarawak Tribune managed to speak to two stall operators at the Mukah Wet Market here yesterday.
Khatijah Osman,38, a Melanau from Kampung Litong said she just knew about GPS yesterday, and believed that GPS is not being tied down by Malaya parties anymore.
“Now the coalition is able to focus more on development in Sarawak, especially the people’s welfare. I am a strong supporter of Barisan Nasional (BN) and for 11 years I have been requesting them to help repair my wooden house.
“Sometimes my husband has to do the repair himself. I am not saying that BN didn’t help in the matter. They did but I hope GPS will be able to uplift our living standard,” she said.
The village on the other side of Mukah Waterfront is where Khatijah, her husband and their four children are residing. They have been occupying their wooden house for nearly 13 years now.
Khatijah and her husband have been selling fish at the Mukah Waterfront Maket for more than nine years.
“The money we earn is just enough for our children’s education, food and paying some debts,” she said.
She said she would be grateful if the state GPS government can do it immediately which proves that they truly care for the people.
“I wish GPS all the best,” she said.
She added that under the BN government rural areas in the state were lacking in many things. Hence, she hoped that the GPS government will be able to bridge the gap between the urban and rural areas.
Meanwhile, Gloria anak Unyat, 33, an Iban from Rumah Jingga, Selangau said her living condition presently is very bad and hopes the state GPS government can help her financially.
“I am the breadwinner of the family as my husband is suffering from heart problem and can no longer support the family,” she said.
Gloria added that she would go to the market in Selangau and sometimes travelled to Mukah to sell her vegetables to earn some money.
Sometimes she would also sell ‘dabai’ fruits and other fresh fruits.
“I am able to earn around RM200 daily but I don’t sell every day because I have to look after my husband or need to accompany him to the hospital for check-ups,” she said.
The mother of one child said that before her husband got sick two years ago, he traded in black paper and could earn up to RM900 monthly.
“Now that he is sick, life is very tough for us because I am also diagnosed with hormonal problems, cholesterol and high blood pressure. So, when my body system is down, I can’t even go to the market,” she said.
She hoped that the government would not only help her financially but also provide fertilizers so that she can plant more vegetables to sell.
“I also wish GPS leaders, especially the elected representatives for my area, will pay us a visit in the village more often so that they know our wants and needs better,” Gloria said.
