MP wants haemodialysis centre set up in Spaoh

KUCHING: A haemodialysis centre should be set up in Spaoh to cater to the increasing number of kidney patients in the district, said Betong Member of Parliament Dr Richard Rapu.

Richard also asked for the number of haemodialysis machines at haemodialysis centres in Betong and Debak to be increased to fulfil the medical needs of the local community.

“I support the initiative to improve access to quality healthcare services. We hope the diagnostic and laboratory equipment and facilities in Betong can be upgraded to modern technology, as well as increasing the number of medical doctors,” said Richard when debating on the Mid-term Review of the 12th Malaysia Plan in Parliament yesterday.

He also urged for the construction of the new Betong divisional health office, Betong health clinic and Spaoh health clinic to be prioritised in the federal budget next year.

The health clinics at Nanga Tiga Ulu Layar, Nanga Lesu Spak and Kampung Tuie Debak also need to be upgraded, he added.

Moreover, Richard highlighted the issue of dilapidated schools in Betong parliamentary constituency that deserves urgent attention from the government.

“We also hope the federal government will allocate funds to set up the necessary infrastructure and water distribution network to further improve the agriculture produce in Sarawak.”

He also asked the federal government to consider the request of local rubber smallholders to increase the floor price of ‘cuplump’ to RM3.50 per kilogramme to strengthen the sustainability of the latex industry and to move up the value chain.

Besides, Richard requested the federal government to allocate funds for smart farming initiative through automation and digitalisation, which can be carried out via a private, public and community project model.

Strengthening the local food production supply chain will also reduce the state’s reliance on food imports, he pointed out.

Touching on the tourism sector, Richard said Betong is blessed with immense tourism potential and the federal government should assist in building the local infrastructure and facilities to promote naturefocused tourism products.

Among the tourism products that can be promoted in Betong, he added, are exploring Bukit Sadok, homestay at longhouses, handicrafts, and traditional food and dance.

“We also hope the tourism ministry will loosen the condition that homestay can only be carried out at longhouses with a minimum of 10 doors.”