Pelagus rep: Expedite urgent safety upgrades along Jalan Jiwa Murni

SAFETY improvements along Jalan Jiwa Murni must be expedited following frequent accidents, including fatal crashes, on the route connecting Kapit, Baleh, Merit and Belaga.

Pelagus assemblyman, Wilson Nyabong Ijang urged the Public Works Department (PWD) and Ministry of Defence to accelerate the road’s formal handover so that upgrading, maintenance and safety works could proceed without further delay.

“This is not merely a matter of administrative procedure, it is a matter of public safety,” he said when debating the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026 during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting today.

He added that although the 60km Baleh to Merit stretch and the 130km Merit to Belaga stretch had improved connectivity and opened economic opportunities, existing road conditions required urgent intervention.

Wilson also sought faster approval of Phase 2 funding for three projects under the Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA), warning that completed sections must form continuous, functional road connections.

These involved the Baleh Bridge to Pelagus Resort road, the Rumah Taing road extension to Antaroh Junction in Sungai Sut, and the Sungai Bena road connection to Rumah Ai.

He also urged PWD Sarawak to ensure approach roads were provided for the Nanga Tulie ferry project and proposed extending road connectivity from Nanga Pelagus through Merit, Anap and Sangan to Bintulu.

On education, Wilson called for greater support to cover transport, accommodation and daily living expenses faced by rural students, alongside improvements to internet access, schools, hostels and teachers’ quarters.

Turning to welfare, he proposed simpler application procedures and expanded outreach to remote settlements, particularly for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and vulnerable households facing high transport costs and limited internet access.

On agriculture, he sought stronger technical advisory services, mechanisation support, collection centres and processing facilities, backed by efficient transport networks to help smallholders reach wider markets.

“There is little economic benefit in increasing agricultural production if our farmers cannot transport and sell their produce at reasonable prices,” he said.