Sungai Asap upgrade to Apau Koyan district a timely, transformative step towards long-held dream

Kennedy Chukpai Ugon

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, March 20: Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon has described the proposal to upgrade Sungai Asap into the Apau Koyan district as a major and long-awaited step that brings a long-held dream of the people closer to becoming a reality, especially for communities in the interior of Murum.

He said the Sarawak government’s proposal is not merely an administrative status change, but a move that brings renewed hope to rural communities that have long needed a more efficient, faster, and people-centric delivery of government services.

The proposal, he added, reflects the government’s strong commitment under the leadership of the Sarawak Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) to ensure that development reaches interior areas without marginalising those living far from urban centres.

“This is a highly significant and timely initiative. It aligns with the aspirations of the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, particularly in empowering rural development, strengthening the local economy, and enhancing government service delivery to interior communities

“We, including the community leaders and headmen from the 15 longhouses in BRS Asap, are so happy to hear about this news. We hope this will happen soon,” he said in a statement today.

He stressed that the people of Sungai Asap, Apau Koyan, and surrounding areas have long awaited such a move, as it would pave the way for more structured and effective development planning.

He added that once Apau Koyan is upgraded to a full district, it will strengthen local governance, accelerate the implementation of development projects, and improve access to essential facilities such as roads, healthcare, and education.

Chukpai also described the proposal as a key catalyst for new economic growth in interior regions, creating broader opportunities for local communities to progress alongside the state’s development.

“Personally, this has long been one of my aspirations to see Apau Koyan elevated into a full district with stronger administrative capacity so that development can be carried out more quickly and effectively for the benefit of the people,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation to the Sarawak Premier for what he described as a visionary, people-centric decision, and voiced confidence that the move will serve as a new driver for the development of interior areas.

As the Murum representative, Chukpai affirmed that he will continue to firmly support all government efforts to ensure the proposal is fully realised. — DayakDaily