Road upgrades sought for 11 Penan villages in Ulu Limbang

BATU Danau assemblyman, Datuk Paulus Palu Gumbang hopes part of the RM742-million road and bridge allocation next year will help upgrade roads serving 11 Penan villages in Ulu Limbang.

He said several roads in his constituency, particularly former logging roads, have deteriorated to the point where some sections are no longer passable by vehicles.

He said the poor road conditions have directly affected the Penan communities, particularly their access to education, healthcare and daily necessities.

“I am happy to note that a sum of RM742 million has also been set aside for the construction of roads and bridges throughout the state next year.

“This amount is over and above the RM2.27 billion under the alternative funding to fund a number of major core transport backbone currently under construction.

“I hope part of the allocation can be used to repair and upgrade several roads, including former logging roads in Batu Danau, particularly those connecting 11 Penan villages in Ulu Limbang,” he said.

Paulus said this when debating in support of the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.

The affected villages are Kampung Kartadem, Long Sebayang, Long Tegan, Long Kapon, Long Sulung, Long Rayeh, Long Keneng, Long Persek, Long Adang, Long Gita and Ba Nyakit.

He said some of the roads have remained in poor condition for years due to a lack of maintenance after logging companies ceased operations in the areas.

Paulus also called for the upgrading of other roads in Batu Danau, including Jalan Bawang Ubor (Jalan Ulu Tubai) to Tanah Merah and Jalan Simpang Kubong-Ulu Pandaruan-Nanga Medamit.

He said Jalan Ulu Tubai would eventually connect to Jalan Mentawai towards Gunung Buda.

He further requested the construction of roads to Rumah Jampong in Melaban and Rumah Lembong in Kampung Entakong, where residents currently rely on deteriorating former logging roads.