Rep urges action on citizenship issues, delayed agricultural road in Murum

KUCHING (Nov 28): Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon has called on the state government to take immediate action to resolve two critical issues plaguing his constituents – unresolved citizenship status and prolonged delays in vital agricultural infrastructure.

Speaking during the State Budget 2026 debate at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), Kennedy highlighted the persistent burden on rural residents, some of whom have lived in Sarawak for up to four generations, yet still hold Green Identity Cards and birth certificates with ‘Undetermined’ status.

“These residents face restrictions in accessing basic services such as education, healthcare, and government aid,” he said.

He revealed that the Special Task Force Programme (PPK) organised by the National Registration Department in 2023 and 2024 failed to provide a comprehensive solution for this group.

“I was informed that the PPK programme did not cover a solution for local residents holding Green Identity Cards and birth certificates with ‘Undetermined’ status.

“Therefore, I urge the state government to consider a more holistic approach, including provisions under the Federal Constitution or methods under the National Registration Act within the authority of the Chief Registrar of Births and Deaths,” he said.

This, he added, was crucial for the future and well-being of the people.

Turning to infrastructure, Kennedy called on the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) and the Upper Rajang Development Agency (Urda) to expedite the construction of the agricultural road to the Bakun Resettlement Scheme (BRS) in Sungai Asap.

He highlighted that the Phase 1 project, covering 50 kilometres and commencing in 2019, remains incomplete.

“I understand there are certain constraints, but this project, which has been waiting for almost six years, is taking too long,” he noted.

He also requested that the 85-kilometre Phase 2, approved by the Premier in 2021, begin immediately, as affected residents are growing impatient.

Kennedy described the road as a critical ‘people-centric’ project.

It is essential for residents to cultivate the three-acre plots allocated to them 27 years ago when they were relocated to make way for the Bakun hydro project.

“Until now, these lands cannot be fully utilised due to the lack of access, which has become a ‘bottleneck’ for the socio-economic development of residents in Sungai Asap,” he emphasised.