KUCHING, 21 May 2025 – YB Billy Sujang, the assemblyman for N.01 Opar, delivered a strong speech during the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly meeting. He supported the Motion of Appreciation for the Governor’s Address and highlighted many issues affecting his area and Sarawak as a whole. He began by thanking Tuan Yang Terutama Tun for an inspiring speech and praised the Sarawak Premier for his clear vision in leading the state towards green energy and digital progress. He also congratulated the Premier on his appointment as President of PERKIM and acknowledged YB ADUN Satok for being appointed Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunications.
YB Billy raised several urgent matters related to basic infrastructure in his constituency. He requested RM22 million to build access roads to and after the Selampit Bridge, which is now under construction. He also asked for RM66 million to upgrade the Bitokan-Selampit Road, which will face heavy traffic from large vehicles. Another project, the Kendaie-Sedaing Road, approved in 2023, has not started yet. He urged JKR Sarawak to speed it up. In addition, he highlighted the unsafe conditions of old school buildings like SK Selampit and asked the federal government to rebuild them for the safety of students.
He called for a new hospital in Lundu, pointing out that the current one is over 60 years old and no longer suitable to serve the growing population. YB Billy also requested that the ICQS Biawak facility be upgraded to match Indonesia’s modern Aruk border post, to support tourism and trade between Sarawak and Kalimantan.
He proposed that the 4.5km road to Kampung Pasir Tengah be upgraded at a cost of RM60 million. He also raised concerns about the lack of public transport between Kuching, Lundu, and Sematan. Many villagers and tourists find it difficult to travel because bus services have stopped. He asked the Sarawak Transport Ministry to reintroduce regular and affordable bus routes.
Another issue he touched on was the low allowance received by community leaders (KMKK). Currently, they receive between RM900 and RM1,300 monthly. YB Billy suggested increasing the allowance to at least RM1,700 a month, equal to the minimum wage in the public sector, as a sign of appreciation for their hard work and responsibilities.
He also highlighted the delay in the ALAF (Additional and Late Applicant Fund) program. Over 100 applications from Opar residents are still pending approval since 2023. Many new houses still do not have electricity and rely on expensive, unsafe generators. He urged the Sarawak Ministry of Utilities and SEB to speed up the approval process to improve the quality of life for rural families.
On the topic of development, YB Billy thanked the Sarawak Premier for approving many projects under the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA). These include road upgrades, village halls, farming roads, and tourism facilities. However, he said many projects are stuck due to delays in land approval. He suggested that simple consent letters from landowners be accepted, similar to how Rural Transformation Projects (RTP) are carried out, so that projects can be implemented quickly.
He also voiced serious concern over the ongoing rabies outbreak in Sarawak. Since 2017, 82 human rabies cases have been reported, with 75 deaths – a shocking 91.5% fatality rate. He proposed that the government approve the hiring of 566 new veterinary staff and set up 30 mobile teams to increase vaccinations and public awareness. If not addressed, Sarawak may fail its goal to eliminate rabies by 2030.
Before ending his speech, YB Billy thanked Sarawak’s civil servants for their dedication and service. He also wished everyone a Happy Wesak Day, Happy Teacher’s Day (especially to his wife, Cikgu Luyah Diman), and a joyful and safe Gawai Dayak celebration. — YB Billy Sujang
