KUCHING – Calls for improved road connectivity in Ngemah have intensified, with residents urging the government to accelerate key infrastructure projects that would ease travel and enhance safety.
Ngemah State Assemblyman Anyi Jana highlighted the pressing need to extend Jalan Batu Luking to Teluk, noting that despite the road’s completion years ago, longhouse settlements in the Teluk area remain isolated due to the absence of a land connection.
Communities there continue to rely heavily on river transport, which limits mobility and poses risks during adverse weather conditions.
Speaking during the debate on the Supply Bill (2026) at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, Anyi stressed that immediate action is required to ensure residents are no longer cut off from essential services.
“The road connection must be implemented without delay so that residents are not completely dependent on water transport,” she said.
In addition, Anyi called for urgent upgrades to the land routes leading to Nanga Jagau and Hulu Sungai Ngemah SPS, which are currently accessible only through deteriorating log roads.
He explained that these routes are vital lifelines for rural communities, and their poor condition hampers both safety and economic opportunities.
“The upgrade will not only improve safety and ease of access, but also act as a catalyst for socio-economic development for the rural communities that are completely dependent on the route,” he added.
Infrastructure challenges remain a recurring issue in Sarawak’s rural constituencies, where many settlements are still reliant on basic or temporary road systems.
Analysts have noted that improving connectivity is central to reducing rural-urban disparities, enabling better access to healthcare, education, and markets.
The Sarawak government has repeatedly emphasised its commitment to balanced development, with rural infrastructure projects forming a significant part of the Sarawak Budget 2026.
The budget, themed “Empowering People, Advancing Prosperity, Building a Resilient Future”, allocates billions towards development expenditure, including transport and rural accessibility.
Residents in Ngemah hope that these pledges will translate into swift action on the ground. For many, the extension of Jalan Batu Luking and the upgrading of log roads are not just infrastructure projects, but essential steps towards ensuring that rural communities are not left behind in Sarawak’s development agenda.
