DEBAK – An upgraded farm road at Rumah Panjang Ulu Rimbas Asal has been completed ahead of schedule, improving access for residents who depend on the route for agricultural activities.
The project was funded by the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA), with the Betong Division Public Works Department (JKR) responsible for implementation.
The completed facility is intended to make it easier for farmers to reach their agricultural land and manage their daily operations.
Sarawak Deputy Premier and Bukit Saban assemblyman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said reliable farm road infrastructure was important for communities whose livelihoods depended on agriculture.
Better access, he said, could support the movement of residents and help them organise their farming activities more efficiently.
“For residents who carry out agricultural activities, farm roads are not just a route to the farm but are an important facility in their daily affairs. Better access can facilitate movement and help farmers carry out activities more systematically,” he said.
Uggah also stressed the importance of continuing to improve basic infrastructure in rural communities, particularly where facilities directly support residents’ daily needs and economic activities.
“Our priority is to ensure that the projects implemented truly meet the needs of the local community. When basic facilities are improved, residents can carry out daily activities more comfortably, while the potential of the agricultural area can also be better utilised,” he said.
The project was completed in accordance with the standards and specifications set by the Betong Division Public Works Department. The formal handover took place on 15 October, following the completion of the works ahead of the planned schedule.
Improved farm access can help reduce practical difficulties associated with travelling between residential areas and agricultural land.
Depending on local conditions, road infrastructure can also assist farmers in transporting equipment, supplies and harvested produce, although the project announcement did not specify any measured changes in travel times or agricultural output.
For rural communities, farm roads form part of the basic infrastructure needed to sustain agricultural activity. Their condition can affect how easily farmers reach their land and carry out routine work, making the maintenance and improvement of these routes an important consideration in local development planning.
The Ulu Rimbas Asal longhouse representatives expressed their appreciation to Uggah for the BDDA allocation that enabled the upgrade to proceed. Their acknowledgement highlighted the importance of funding support for infrastructure projects serving residents in rural areas.
Representatives from several agencies and organisations attended the handover ceremony. Those present included Jordan Evin, representing BDDA; Norasyimah and Ezzalina Noh from the Betong Division Public Works Department; representatives of the Bukit Saban assemblyman’s service centre; and representatives of the appointed contractor, JR Binajaya Enterprise.
The completion of the project marks the delivery of an upgraded farm road facility for the Ulu Rimbas Asal community.
While no financial allocation, road length or detailed construction specifications were provided in the announcement, the project demonstrates the role of divisional development funding and public works agencies in delivering basic infrastructure for agricultural communities.
Continued attention to road conditions and maintenance will remain relevant to ensuring that such facilities serve residents over time. — Sarawak Daily
