RTP upgrades intensify in Kampung Sungai Aur, Kampung Sibu Laut

KUCHING: The upgrade of basic amenities in two villages around the Sungai Telaga Air area, namely Kampung Sungai Aur and Kampung Sibu Laut, continues to intensify through the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP).

Among the projects is the 1.3-kilometre-long pedestrian walkway in Kampung Sungai Aur (from one end of the village to the other), which is almost complete with a total cost of around RM750,000.

Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication (Utilities), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said the remaining 50m to complete the project will be finished in this fifth phase.

“The fourth phase of the project was recently completed. Entering the next phase, it will be implemented in the second half of 2024 and is expected to be completed by early 2025.

“Before continuing with this fifth phase, we will upgrade the wooden bridge in the village first as per their request. Once the bridge construction is completed, we will proceed to finish the pedestrian walkway project.”

He said this when met by reporters after a visit to Kampung Sibu Laut here today (July 11).

He added that the pontoon jetty base in the village will also be repaired in collaboration with Santubong MP Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri in the near future.

“I have been informed that an allocation of RM270,000 will be spent to upgrade the base.

“Previously, we built the pontoon several times but the structure could not withstand soil erosion and strong water currents. We hope a stronger structure can be built this time for the safety and convenience of the villagers.”

He also mentioned that the telecommunications tower in the village is not yet operational because the transmitter has not been installed.

“I will request the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) to provide telecommunications transmitter facilities to improve Internet coverage.

“All these efforts aim to offer better facilities to the residents here.”

Meanwhile, the Pantai Damai assemblyman also praised the implementing agency, Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), and the involved contractors for completing the repair of the wooden walkway in Kampung Sibu Laut ahead of schedule.

“Thank you to those involved for completing the project earlier than the scheduled date, which was supposed to be in August.

“We have listed RTP projects that will be implemented in this constituency. Next, we await applications from the village heads to implement other RTP projects in the future,” he added.