More rural folk in Sarawak turn to social media to air grouses

AN increasing number of complaints are being aired online by rural folks whose daily lives are affected by bad road and bridge conditions in the interiors of Sarawak. 

Deputy Sarawak Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said the state government acknowledged their grouses. 

“They are voicing their complaints on social media platforms over the bad conditions of the rural roads and bridges. 

“We (state government) have given allocations for urgent repairs, but it is clear the amount given is not enough. 

“For example, the Sungai Tutoh bridge that had collapsed … we had allocated RM5 million, but the repairs had not been completed as the money was not enough. 

“We need to conduct a review of the fund allocations and the plans that are drawn up for the repairs and need to get the projects done faster and with better quality,” he said when attending a briefing with Gabungan Parti Sarawak assembly representatives from districts of Bekenu, Miri, Baram, and Marudi in Miri. 

Uggah admitted that the rural population was still not connected by proper roads and bridges. 

All these woes needed to be resolved via better planning and implementation, he said. 

On July 28, it was reported that at least 1,000km of rural road in Baram district in northern Sarawak had been found in terrible shape and needed urgent repairs. – August 6, 2024.