Ba Kelalan road trip exposes visitors to rural-urban infrastructure gap
SIBU: A recent road trip from Lawas to the highlands of Ba Kelalan proved an eye- opener for a group of friends on the huge difference in rural- urban infrastructure.
In relating her recent visit with a group of friends, Sibu lass Sharon Ling told The Borneo Post that the five- hour, 150km journey was “bumpy, uncomfortable and left everyone feeling dizzy”.
“I really hope the government would do something about the roads leading to the highlands because the current condition is really quite a shame.
“It would greatly boost the image of the destination, as well as the state, if the journey there is comfortable,” she said.
Ling said the trip allowed her and her friends to see first-hand the day- to- day life of rural folk and what they have to put up with when it comes to the condition of their roads.
“The huge gap in infrastructure facilities separating rural and urban folks really opened our eyes.
“With Baru Bian now the MP for Selangau as well as Works Minister, I hope he can improve the infrastructure in rural areas. After all, Ba Kelalan is his state constituency,” she said.
Ling added she plans to make a return trip to Ba Kelalan in two years, and hopes for a more comfortable trip then.
Despite the poor road condition, she said she was touched by the community spirit shown by Ba Kelalan folk.
“When a car broke down along the way, passers- by would stop their vehicles to offer help. This kind of tight- knit community spirit is commendable and should always be maintained regardless of how much development comes in future.”