Len (right) and Huang discussing the alignment of the road linking Sarikei and Tanjong Manis.
SARIKEI: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem has approved the building of a road linking Sarikei to Tanjong Manis.
With the approval, Kuala Rajang assemblyman Datu Len Talif has traveled to Sarikei to meet up with Repok assemblyman Dato Sri Huang Tiong Hii to discuss the road alignment.
“After the approval by Adenan, actions have been taken to determine the actual alignment of the road. We hope to see the
road completed within five years,” Len told the BAT team when met here yesterday.
Len, who is also Assistant Minister for Environment as well Assistant Minister for Workforce Development and Training, said with the road, the whole fruit basket of Sarikei, Bintagor, Pakan, Meluan and Saratok, would be linked to Tanjong Manis.
With accessibility to a port, these districts and sub-districts which make up the rich and fertile hinterland feeding the coastal port town of Tanjong Manis would be able to be developed economically.
Meanwhile, Huang stressed that connectivity was essential to inland towns like Sarikei if it were to be expanded further or made more vibrant.
“Without a port to export our products and produce, how can we set up any industry or factory or large scale farming to feed the factories or the industries? Without a port and its facilities, we will have no place to keep our containers or storage place for our export products.
“It is thus very crucial that we must have a road link from Sarikei to Tanjong Manis which is our export outlet. Only with that link would Sarikei have a chance to start big scale farming and only then, can we talk about industries,” he said.
Huang has always said the improvement of basic infrastructure such as road connectivity, water and electricity supplies had been his top priority.
As a newly elected representative, his other major concerns are to improve school facilities and income of the farmers.
“Education is the first one on my list. In my constituency, there are about 20 schools which really need rebuilding and repair.
I will pursue the matter in my five years as an elected representative here, to make sure that our students study in a conducive environment with all facilities in place,” said Huang.
On raising the income of farmers, he said this had been crucial because 60 per cent of the people in Sarikei are farmers.
“If I am able to raise their income, it means I have helped 60 per cent of the people. That is why I have identified that as one of my top priorities,” he said.
He summarised that for the five years ahead, his vision as an assemblyman was to lay the basic foundation for further development which includes education, increasing farmers’ income and basic infrastructure.
With a business background, Huang also saw the need of setting up a super mall and an upscale hotel to generate jobs and income for the locals.
“For the last five years, development has been slow. I hope that something can be done immediately to boost the local economy which will further spur or generate the economy of Sarikei. The immediate plan is to set up a super mall and a new hotel,” said Huang.