Chinese business community thrives in isolated Kapit

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KAPIT: Some 10,000 Chinese in Kapit have been trading and doing business in  the town for more than a century,  the majority of whom are Foochows, followed by Hokkiens and Kheks.

Temenggong Lau Kah Kii told The Borneo Post Adventure Team (BAT) that though Kapit was isolated, the Chinese business community there was thriving as the Iban community had moved nearer to town.

This helped the Chinese sustain their business and the economy of Kapit.

The development of Kapit town and its district and sub-districts brought  more from outstation people (especially government officers) to the town and division for the purpose of work.

The Iban community had also moved from their longhouse up the Rajang River to be nearer the town for better access to the world, especially medical care.

Lau said they were still concerned about Kapit Hospital which had no specialist, though they rely on four medical officers.

He was not sure how the government would address the longstanding issue.

“What’s the point of having facilities without a specialist  to attend to patients?” he asked.

He told BAT they had to sent very sick patients  to Sibu for further medical treatment.

Lau opined that the road was not  important for Kapit town as connectivity might jeopardise business, with people going to bigger towns to buy goods and services.

There are two sides to the coin, of course.

He is certain the road would not be built in his lifetime.

With road connectivity, their business which is navigation and hotel based would close down as people bypass Kapit and not spend the night there.

He said for the moment, Chinese traders in Kapit town get to enjoy some business besides influencing the  Iban community to be more enterprising and follow in their footsteps.

Lau suggested that the government open up technical schools for Kapit youths to pick up skills training. These can attract more people to the area.

And the government can follow this up by setting up a wood based industry in Kapit.

The government should review the present wharf which was not user-friendly, being too steep and difficult for older boat passengers to use. He therefore suggested a floating pontoon like the one in Sibu.