Corruption, lack of priorities costing lives in Sarawak – Larry Sng

MY heartfelt condolences go out to the family members of the nine people who perished in the ferry incident in Batang Lupar on New Year’s Day.

Such a tragedy could have been prevented had proper safety measures been followed. I hope that the relevant authorities will investigate this matter and improve the existing ferries so that such incidents are avoided in the future. Our people’s safety must be the No. 1 priority.

Sarawak is still lacking much-needed infrastructure investment in its rural and coastal areas. Unfortunately, it takes a tragedy like this for the authorities to take notice.

It is not so much about lack of funding than, perhaps, the misplaced priorities of those in power, as rural communities risk life and limb going about their daily lives due to poor or absent infrastructure.

We must also not exclude corruption and leakages as a cause of the sluggish pace of development in Sarawak.

The state government had admitted as early as 2018 that corruption contributed to the lack of development in rural Sarawak.

With RM6.3 billion allocated under Budget 2021 for infrastructure development in the state, there is no reason why communities should lag behind the nation’s developmental progress.

I will bring up this issue in the next parliamentary sitting. Hopefully, with additional allocation given to Sarawak from our oil royalties, the state can also play a bigger role in developing rural and coastal regions. – The Vibes, January 3, 2021

Larry Sng is MP for Julau and Sarawak PKR chairman