BETONG: The Sarawak Government is currently assessing the potential of former logging roads to be upgraded as last mile routes to connect interior regions yet to have complete road access.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the assessment was carried out through XPDC 3.0 involving the Public Works Department (JKR) technical team and agencies related to the Ulu Skrang, Ulu Entabai and Ulu Kota areas.

According to him, the expedition allowed his party to personally examine the condition of former logging roads that could be potentially upgraded to improve accessibility for residents in interior regions.

"Our objective is to examine the condition of former logging roads, in which the state government has decided to take over the construction work of these roads.

"The condition of these logging roads truly needs to be upgraded. So today we went down ourselves with the technical team so we can assess what can be done about these former logging roads,” he said.

He said this when met by the media after leading the XPDC 3.0 launch at the Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan Sports Hall compound, here on Thursday.

Elaborating further, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said XPDC 3.0 marks the third expedition carried out after the previous two expeditions to Bario and the Belaga regions respectively.

He explained that this expedition focuses on the Ulu Skrang, Ulu Entabai and Ulu Kota routes to identify the actual conditions and needs of infrastructure in the area.

“We want to identify former logging roads that can connect isolated places with perfect roads, which previously only had gravel roads and tracks,” he said.

Meanwhile, he also reminded the public to take precautions following the current haze situation.

He said the community should avoid open burning which is a legal offence in addition to taking care of their health and constantly monitoring current air quality reports.

“Those with asthma are also advised to be extra careful and wear face masks if they have to go outside.

“Water assistance will be targeted at existing water reservoirs and the team will issue certificates and supply water if needed.

“The public is also asked to report any fire incidents to the police, while longhouse residents are advised to always be vigilant and take appropriate safety measures,” he added.

Also present were Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo, Lubok Antu Member of Parliament Roy Angau Gingkoi, Engkelili Assemblyman Dr Johnical Rayong Ngipa and other dignitaries. -UKASnews