DUN Sarawak: Engkilili targets upgraded as a full district

He said that the improvement of the administrative status should be accompanied by provision of appropriate facilities, including administrative buildings, placement of officers, service counters and coordination between agencies.

"This improvement in the status of the administration is not just a name change. It is expected to strengthen the delivery of government services, enhance development coordination capacity and facilitate people's affairs", he said.

He said this while discussing Sarawak Budget 2027 at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Conference here, today.

In his speech, Dr Johnical also appreciated the Prime Minister of Sarawak for presenting a budget of RM15.091 billion which he said focused on rural development, basic infrastructure, public assistance, education and human capital development.

He said the implementation of development should be accompanied by effective coordination between government agencies as well as ongoing feedback from local communities to ensure that the benefits can be felt by residents.

Touching on infrastructure development, he called for improvement of road network in the Engkilili area, especially roads connecting towns, villages, long houses, agricultural areas and public facilities.

He also appreciated the implementation of XPDC 3.0 Programme on 12 August 2026 in the area of former Ulu Skrang railway which helps to identify and address problems of roads, bridges, forging and road ditches.

He said regular monitoring of work quality and maintenance should be continued to reduce road damage, the risk of landslides as well as difficulties in population movement during rainy season.

In terms of utilities, he welcomed the implementation of Engkilili New Water Treatment Plant Project worth RM312.97 million with capacity 75 million litres per day.

He also informed that the San Semanju HLT Project is reported to be fully completed by May 2026 and is expected to benefit the residents of San Semanju, Sebilau, Setenggin, Sedarat and surrounding areas.

"I hope the issue of electricity supply to Sungai Paya and Lepong Kepayang in Ulu Skrang can be brought to the attention so that people in the area also enjoy better basic facilities", he said.

He also called for efforts to upgrade the rural water and electricity supply system to continue, including accelerating the connection of electricity supply from Panau Enteberu House in DUN Meluan area to Sungai Paya and Lepong Kepayang area in Ulu Skrang.

In an effort to boost the local economy, Dr Johnical said infrastructure development should be accompanied by support for agriculture sector, small businesses and community enterprises to increase household incomes.

He proposed provision of facilities for harvesting agricultural produce, use of appropriate technology, local product development as well as management and marketing training, especially to young entrepreneurs and women.

He also appreciated the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development (MFICORD) of Sarawak as well as the Sarawak Department of Agriculture for the implementation of several AgriCOP programs in Engkilili, hoping that the initiative will continue to support agricultural development and local community economy. -TVS