MIRI: The Kedaya Telang Usan Development Committee (JPKTU) meeting has become an important platform for strengthening development planning and implementation in remote areas, particularly in the Mulu constituency which faces vast and challenging geographical conditions.

The meeting on Monday was officiated by Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala who underscored the importance of inclusive and systematic development coordination.

The Mulu Assemblyman stated that the establishment of JPKTU serves as a strategic bridge between the people and the government in ensuring that development needs and issues can be channelled directly and in a more focused manner.

“The establishment of committees such as JPKTU is of great importance as they function as a bridge between the people and the government.

“Through this platform, all issues, needs and development proposals can be conveyed directly in a more focused manner,” he added.

He also said that four main development committees have been set up under the Mulu constituency administration, namely the Tutoh Area Development Committee, the Poyut Lubok Nibong Development Committee, the Central Bario Socio and Development Committee as well as JPKTU to ensure development is done fairly and comprehensively.

Meanwhile, various development projects are being implemented through government agencies such as the Public Works Department (JKR) and the Highland Development Agency (HDA) including the construction and upgrading of rural roads, bridge construction, logging road maintenance, slope repairs, clean water supply as well as basic amenities such as community halls and village infrastructure.

For highland areas, HDA focuses on rural road access development, community economic empowerment, modern agricultural assistance and rural tourism development which has the potential to improve the livelihoods of local communities.

On future plans, Datuk Gerawat underscored the government’s focus on strengthening road connectivity in Kedaya Telang Usan and the wider Mulu constituency, paving the way for better mobility and fresh economic prospects.

In addition, the Border Security Road project is also given attention due to its importance in terms of security as well as its potential to stimulate development in remote areas that were previously difficult to access.

At the same time, he highlighted ongoing efforts to increase access to electricity, telecommunications and internet services alongside upgrading education and healthcare infrastructure to improve the rural quality of life.

Also present were Telang Usan District Officer Ezra Uda and JPKTU Chairman Temenggong Joseph Ngau Lian. -UKASnews

Translator: Suhaila AW