Association wants long-stalled road construction project to recommence

Persatuan Anak Tatau ( Perantau) has proposed a motion to the state government through Assistant Minister for Arts and Culture and Datuk John Sikie Tayai and Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Development Datuk Talib Zulpilip to resume the longstalled road construction project covering Pekan Tatau to Kuala Tatau.

Perantau, in a statement yesterday, said the completion of the 22km Pekan Tatau- Kuala Tatau road could save travelling time by about 15 minutes.

Currently Kuala Tatau is connected via the coastal road to Bintulu but only Setiam road is available to Pekan Tatau – taking about an hour’s drive.

The motion was proposed during the association’s biennial general meeting at SK Tatau hall on Sunday, where Sikie – who is Kakus assemblyman – officiated at the opening.

Mohamad Rizal Julaihi was re- elected chairman for the 20172019 term and Ningkan Unsu, the deputy chairman.

Kurniawan Abdul Haris is the secretary, Jacqualina Mato the assistant secretary and Lee Moi Hoi, treasurer.

Sikie welcomed the existence of Perantau, which is necessary in view of many problems faced by the people on the ground. Perantau, he observed, also helps solve issues like water and road in a professional manner.

“Perantau communicates directly with the relevant government agencies in ensuring that problems could be solved immediately.”

Sikie praised Perantau for serving the community without asking for any reward; it is sincerely working for the wellbeing of the people.

Responding to the motion proposed by Perantau about the road project earlier, the assistant minister said the project is still under the planning stage.

Nevertheless, he assured them that he and Perantau advisor Datu Dr Adi Badiozaman Tuah would find ways to have the road built under the 11th Malaysia Plan, or by the 12th Malaysia Plan.

Answering questions from local community leaders and representatives of nongovernmental organisation, Sikie pointed out a need for a local representative in Bintulu Development Authority ( BDA) to voice out development issues and other basic needs in Tatau, so it could be heard by Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is the chairman of BDA.