Layang Ugek
KAPIT: The government has been asked to help with the maintenance of a section of private road from Tamalat, Song to Ngungun, Kanowit.
This is in view of the upcoming Gawai Dayak celebration.
“We appeal to the relevant authorities to station manpower and machinery such as a bulldozer to ensure the partial gravel and clay road is safe to drive on. During sunny days, it is quite all right but during rainy days, it is too dangerous because of the steep gradient, slippery, and windy,” Sarawak Dayak Graduates Association Kapit chairman Layang Ugek told a press conference yesterday.
Layang, who is also Sarawak Dayak National Union Kapit vice-chairman, was accompanied by Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Association Kapit chairman Martin Bilun.
He said during Gawai Dayak, a large number of those returning for the celebration as well as visitors are expected to travel by road to Kapit.
Martin Bilun
“Based on our studies, each year some 15,000 travellers from far and near return to their respective longhouses to unite with family members for the annual celebration. Almost every household owns vehicles, especially four-wheel drives.
“We are expecting many would prefer to drive all the way from Kanowit to Song, Kanowit to Kapit, and thereafter continue their journey to the interior like Baleh and Nanga Merit, Rajang River. When travelling in a family, it is cheaper and more economical. With the road, travellers prefer to drive, which is more convenient and to avoid over-congestion on the public express boats,” said Layang.
He added the non-governmental organisations hoped the People’s Volunteer Corps or police could also help to patrol the Kanowit-Kapit road during the festive period.