SUPP man vows to help longhouse folk in rural Dudong
SIBU: Sarawak United People’s Party ( SUPP) Dudong branch chairman Wong Ching Yong vows to do all he can to help improve the standard of living of the people living in Rumah Anggau Minggat at Sungai Pasai Siong Tengah, which is one of the most remote longhouses in Dudong state constituency.
Wong and fellow SUPP members visited the longhouse last Saturday, where he met the chieftain Anggau Minggat and observed the scenario on the ground.
“The small road leading to Rumah Anggau is about 8km away from Mile 16 of the main Oya Road.
“The whole stretch was very muddy and undulating, taking us about 25 minutes to reach the longhouse – it was a very uncomfortable drive,” he told reporters yesterday.
Wong also noted that the longhouse had yet to have piped water and electricity supply.
In this regard, he said he had written to the Minister of Public Utilities Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi last month, highlighting the plight of Rumah Anggau folk.
On electricity supply, Wong said he was informed by Anggau about Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) Sibu office having conducted a site survey just few days ago.
“Thus, I hope that this longhouse would enjoy electricity supply soon under the RES (Rural Electrification Scheme).”
Wong also said upon Anggau’s request, he would assist the chieftain to apply for a loan programme under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, slated for longhouses.
He promised Anggau that he would write to the minister Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian for assistance in applying for this loan which upon approval, should enable Anggau and his committee build a new longhouse.
“With no piped water supply, the residents of Rumah Anggau have no choice but to rely on rainwater for their cooking, washing and bathing needs – they can no longer rely on Sungai (River) Pasai Siong, which is now severely polluted due to waste from a nearby poultry farm,” said Wong.
He said Anggau had expressed his hope for the Veterinary Services Department to look into the villagers’ complaints seriously.
“The Sibu Rural District Council is also aware of the serious pollution problem faced by residents of longhouses along the river – many longhouse chieftains met and discussed this issue with those from SRDC’s public health division in February.
“Anggau also hopes that the Department of Rural Water Supply would consider his application for piped water supply connected to the longhouses, which always experiences acute water shortage during the dry season,” added Wong.