Six projects worth RM4 mln completed in Long Banyok

BARAM : Six development projects worth more than RM4 million have been completed in Kampung Long Banyok, bringing improvements to the village’s infrastructure, safety and daily living conditions.

Funded by the GPS-led Sarawak government, the projects address several basic needs faced by the community for many years.

The completion was celebrated during a Thanksgiving Ceremony on Oct 17, officiated by community leader, Temenggong Elizabeth Deng, representing Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau.

The projects comprise a riverbank erosion barrier in front of Gereja Yesus Juruselamat (Jesus the Saviour Church) Long Banyok, a steel bridge across Sungai Lian, a 24-hour electricity supply connection by Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), fire extinguishers, community rubbish bins and an “I LOVE LONG BANYOK” landmark.

The erosion barrier is particularly significant as it protects the church, an important spiritual and heritage icon for the Ngorek community, from the threat of collapsing into the Baram River.

The steel bridge provides safer access for villagers, schoolchildren and farmers, especially during the rainy season, while improving connectivity and the transportation of farm produce.

The 24-hour electricity supply benefits all households, allowing students to study at night and residents to use electrical appliances and operate small businesses more conveniently.

Meanwhile, fire extinguishers enhance safety, community rubbish bins improve waste management, and the unity landmark reflects the villagers’ pride in their home and identity.

Elizabeth conveyed the Sarawak government’s appreciation for the community’s cooperation and reaffirmed its commitment to rural development.

“I would like to congratulate Datuk Dennis Ngau, as well as the leadership of Ketua Kaum Vinsien Gau Jalong and the entire Long Banyok JKKK, for their efforts in developing Long Banyok.

“Keep working hard for the wellbeing and progress of the people,” she said in a statement recently.

Meanwhile, Vinsien, speaking on behalf of the villagers, thanked the Sarawak Government under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Dennis for supporting the village’s development.

He said many development applications submitted during his tenure as village chief had been approved, benefiting the community.

Vinsien also announced two additional projects under way: a kitchen for the Long Banyok Women’s Bureau, funded with RM43,000 from SEB, and an upgrade of the Awa Ayak Long Banyok ruai (communal hall), allocated RM100,000.

Three more projects have been approved under the Rural Transformation Programme for implementation in 2027. There are two concrete roads serving the village and its multipurpose hall, and a tamu (market) building for villagers to sell agricultural and fishery produce.

Vinsien urged residents to remain united and work together for the village’s progress, saying its future depended on their collective efforts.

The Long Banyok Village Development and Security Committee also pledged continued support for the GPS Government and Dennis in the coming election.

More than 200 villagers and guests attended the ceremony, which featured prayers, speeches, cultural performances, a communal meal and visits to the completed project sites.