Vocational college, indoor stadium among many needs of Sarikei folk – Huang

PARENTS in the constituency of Repok are now more open to their children entering vocational college in the current era of digital technology, but are burdened by having to send them out of Sarikei to pursue their education.

In his debate on the state budget yesterday, Repok assemblyman Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii urged the government to establish one such learning institution in Sarikei for the parents’ peace of mind.

Huang said Sarikei folk would also like an indoor stadium and a Sarikei Town Square, as it would enable more events to be held in Sarikei, thus boosting their socioeconomic status.

“We only have a civic centre with the capacity of 1,000 and a sports hall which is old and rundown. It is difficult for us to organise an event at a larger scale, whether it is sports, recreation, public gathering and so on,” he added.

He mentioned that in previous events such as the Sarikei Pineapple Festival and Sarikei Food Festival, several roads had to be closed, earning objections from residents and business owners.

Huang also expressed hope that the government could help Sarikei Hospital by replacing its longdefunct ambulance, which made it difficult for hospital personnel to respond during emergencies.

“I hope the government can consider giving an allocation to help improve the quality of service and delivery, as well as upgrade the facilities at the hospital.”

On the matter of affordable housing, he pointed out that the people of Repok have been made aware of projects such as Projek Rumah 1Malaysia, Projek Rumah Mesra Rakyat, Projek Rumah Bina Negara and more, thanks to print, electronic, and social media.

“It is my hope that the government will consider extending these projects to my constituency. A majority of my constituents are ( from the) medium- to-low income (group), and affordable housing is one of our pertinent issues.”

He also highlighted the need for proper lighting along Jalan Nyelong By- Pass and Jalan Merudu/ Meruton as both roads are now main access roads in and out of Sarikei.

“Sarikei is also in need of a new commercial wharf. We will need between RM4 to RM5 million for a better-situated wharf in a location that doesn’t create congestion in the town area.”