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Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Road connectivity: A double edged sword of opportunities, social challenges
Photo, published in The Borneo Post earlier this year, shows travellers attempting to manoeuvre a four-wheel drive vehicle over a mud-covered stretch on the Ba Kelalan Highlands. ON June 18, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas reaffirmed the Sarawak government's commitment to connecting all rural settlements by road by 2030. This timely announcement has come amidst mounting grievances from residents in remote areas, who are facing daily hardships due to poorly maintained roads, broken bridges, and in some cases, a complete lack of road access. Speaking at a Highland Development Agency (HDA) laboratory, Uggah highlighted the Baram region as an example – where many roads, including ageing logging tracks, are in urgent need of maintenance, upgrades or the replacement of collapsed bridges. This commitment is not just rhetoric – it is backed by a RM1.5 billion allocation to nine regional development agencies tasked with implementing infrastructure and development projects in their respective areas. Improved road access is expected to be a game-changer for rural development, particularly in Sarawak's deep interior. It promises substantial social and economic benefits, including better access to markets for local produce, as well as to healthcare and education. However, with road connectivity also come new social challenges. Increased contact with outsiders could disrupt traditional ways of life, potentially exposing communities to external influences that they may not be prepared for. Proactive measures by government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are crucial in helping rural communities adapt to the inevitable changes that come with road connectivity. One of the earliest challenges likely to emerge is land disputes and loss of land to newcomers to their areas. Road construction often requires the acquisition of private land, which can lead to dissatisfaction over compensation, although such disputes are usually resolved over time. The opening of remote areas also makes them vulnerable to large-scale land acquisitions by corporations for plantations or logging, often leading to protest by the indigenous population over encroachment of ancestral land. Operating large scale agricultural enterprises and logging concessions require hiring personnel from outside, especially foreign workers. This influx of outsiders can create friction with local populations as they may feel threatened and marginalised. Additionally, speculators may swoop in to buy land cheaply, depriving locals of the full benefits once the road infrastructure is complete. To address this, the government must strengthen land rights protection and ensure that the locals receive fair treatment in all land-related transactions. Regional development agencies and NGOs must also take a leading role in training the communities to seize economic and employment opportunities in this evolving landscape. The transition from subsistence farming, foraging and hunting, to formal employment or commercial ventures, presents a steep learning curve. Without adequate preparation, the local community risk being sidelined by outsiders, who are quicker to establish businesses and take advantage of new opportunities. This could widen income disparities and foster social resentment within these communities. Improved access can lead to a rise in illegal activities such as logging, poaching, introduction of illicit substances and smuggling – particularly in border-adjacent villages. Another potential danger is the rise in theft, burglary and other crimes committed by outsiders gaining faster access to remote villages, where the people who are used low crime rate environment are the easy targets. Security must be strengthened by stationing more law enforcement personnel to these rural areas to curb these risks. A member of Parliament of a rural constituency once raised the issue of too few personnel being assigned to the rural police stations. He added that it made it difficult to curb crimes as the police were 'overstretched', covering a vast area of rugged terrains with too few men. Demographic shifts may also occur as road connectivity lures young people to towns in search of better opportunities. This trend is already visible in some villages and longhouses, where the youth migration has left elderly residents to care for the young children. As young people adopt urban lifestyles, traditional customs, languages and practices may slowly erode, leading to a loss of cultural identity. To mitigate this cultural attrition, the government agencies and community associations must help people themselves to take proactive steps preserve their language and tradition. Despite these concerns and challenges, road connectivity remains vital for rural Sarawak. Without it, communities risk continued isolation and being left behind in the state's development. With thoughtful planning and comprehensive support systems, the stress of transitioning to modern life can be mitigated. Steps must be taken to ensure that progress does not come at the cost of social disruption and the marginalisation of local communities.
The Sun
18-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sarawak vows to link rural communities with roads by 2030
MIRI: The Sarawak government has pledged to connect all, or at least most, rural communities in the state to the road network by 2030, as part of an infrastructure push supported by nine regional development agencies. State Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said each agency has been allocated RM1.5 billion, stressing that the funds must be used efficiently and without delay. 'It becomes an issue if these allocations are not spent. Our Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg expects the funds to be used promptly. 'When people are aware of these allocations, they expect action, improved roads, better access and better livelihoods. If not, they'll take to social media to express their frustration,' he said. Speaking at a Highland Development Agency (HDA) planning session here today, Uggah urged government departments to resolve project delays through on-the-ground coordination. HDA, one of the agencies driving the state's rural transformation agenda, has already committed RM1 billion to infrastructure and economic initiatives, with the remaining RM500 million expected to be utilised by mid-2026. He noted that much of Baram, in the Miri Division, still relies on former logging roads, many of which require urgent upgrades, maintenance or replacement of wooden bridges. 'The situation is complex. We must find a long-term solution for road maintenance,' he said, adding that he will lead a Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) team to Bario in July for an on-site assessment. Beyond connectivity, Uggah highlighted Bario's untapped economic potential in agriculture and tourism, particularly in coffee and passion fruit cultivation, buffalo farming and handicrafts. He also noted the potential for buffalo milk cheese production, referencing a pilot project at the Meragang breeding station in Limbang. 'There's a large population of wild buffaloes owned by locals. I suggest looking into domesticating them,' he said. Uggah also urged local communities and agencies to leverage the region's rich cultural heritage to develop sustainable tourism. Among those in attendance at the session were Baram MP Datuk Anyie Ngau, Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala, Marudi assemblyman Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau and Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) chief executive officer Datuk Ismawi Ismuni.
