Over 1,000km of logging roads in Baram need upgrading, says Murum rep

Dato Gerawat Gala

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 27: More than 1,000 kilometres of logging roads in the Baram area need to be upgraded, says Murum assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Jala.

Gerawat, who is also Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring), says the roads, which connect over 400 longhouses in Baram, need to be improved to ensure safety for road users.

“Without good and safe roads, it is quite difficult to develop inland areas in Ulu Baram, including Bario,” he said during the closing ceremony of Pesta Nukenen 2024 in Bario today.

Apart from that, Gerawat said there is also a need to upgrade the existing bridges connecting certain areas in Bario built by logging companies, which are now worn out and not safe for users.

He pointed out that due to a lack of logging operations now, logging companies are unable to maintain their roads as in the past.

“We hope and appeal to the Sarawak and federal governments to help the people of Baram to build and upgrade these roads.

“This will help to expedite the development rate in the hinterland of Baram,” he added.

Fadillah (seated) surrounded by Kelabit community elders and leaders being accorded the title ‘Kelabit Raja Dita’.

Meanwhile, Gerawat congratulated Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof for being accorded the ‘Kelabit Raja Dita’ during Pesta Nukenan 2024.

He said given by Kelabit community elders and leaders, the title is a unique tradition and custom as a tribute to Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof by the Kelabit community.

“It also automatically granted his wife, Datin Sri Ruziah Mohd, with ‘Sinah Raja Dita’ in accordance with Kelabit customs,” he said. — DayakDaily