Semop rep starts three-day working visit to six longhouses, nine villages
SIBU: Chief political secretary to the Chief Minister and Semop assemblyman Abdullah Saidol yesterday began a three- day working visit to six longhouses in Mupong and Teluk Gelam as well as nine villages in Pulau Bruit.
He made the visit in response to several reports received from the longhouse residents and villagers.
“Most of the complaints made were related to damaged jetties and roads due to inclement weather,” Abdullah said, adding he would push for remedial actions.
He also checked on the progress of several Rural Transformation Programme ( RTP) projects listed and applied for by him, such as halls and village linkage roads.
Meanwhile, at Mupong, he inspected a road construction project spanning 4km which will connect the area to the SibuTanjung Manis Road.
Additionally, the assemblyman approved minor rural projects ( MRP) allocations for the implementation of several projects.
The projects include the construction of a new multipurpose cement field at SK Tekajong in Kampung Tekajong with an allocation of RM100,000 and upgrading of roads spanning 25 metres in the village costing RM15,000; building of a new cement road and repairing of a belian plank walk heading towards the school in Telok Gelam costing RM80,000; and building of new multi-purpose cement field at SK Betanak in Kampung Betanak costing RM60,000.
Abdullah said several upgrading projects as well as repairing of roads in villages had been identified for immediate action using MRP allocations involving a sum of not less than RM150,000.
Abdullah also drew attention to a report he received about children having to drop out from school due to financial constraints.
“I can’t understand why and am frustrated that this matter is being highlighted to me only after the school session has started,” he lamented.
He urged the community to be more concerned about the matter and see it as their moral obligation not to allow children within their community to drop out from school.
“We should immediately act and put forward some initiative to ensure that initial financial assistance is given so as to enable the kids to register for school. Subsequently, we will try to get assistance from agencies such as Yayasan Sarawak or Baitulmal.
“Parents must not give up on the education of their children because education is very important to ensure a better future for their kids,” he emphasised.