Kuching: Whilst we welcome the Sarawak Government’s plan to construct a glass bridge at Rantau Panjang and develop a 3-kilometre riverside promenade in Batu Kawa, Special Assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, Sim Kiat Leng, said that any initiative aimed at improving the local environment and boosting tourism deserves recognition and constructive discussion.
“However, while pursuing large-scale development projects, the government must also pay equal attention to the real and pressing needs of the people,” he said.
He stressed that the public do not opposed to development, nor are they against the creation of new landmarks. In fact, the Democratic Action Party (DAP) welcomes the Sarawak Government’s recent announcement to build the Second Batu Kawa Bridge and a new 5-kilometre road.
Nevertheless, when allocating public resources, the government must ensure a proper balance between landmark development projects and essential public infrastructure.
“We support and welcome this riverside development project, and we are pleased to see Batu Kawa gain new recreational facilities and tourism potential. However, we wish to remind the government that while the proposed glass bridge and riverside promenade may become an attractive new landmark, the project comes with a price tag of RM31 million.
“At the same time, residents across Batu Kawa continue to face pressing issues such as deteriorating roads, damaged drains, frequent flash floods, and inadequate street lighting. These are equally urgent concerns that deserve the government’s attention and funding,” he said.
Sim pointed out that throughout Batu Kawa’s Chinese villages, rural communities, and residential neighbourhoods, many residents still have to cope daily with pothole-ridden roads, ageing drainage systems, overgrown grass that causes stagnant water and mosquito breeding, as well as dim or faulty street lights. While these may appear to be minor issues, these are the true concern of the residents of batu kawa as it affects the safety and well-being of the people in their daily lives.
“Beautifying the riverfront and creating new landmarks is “the icing on the cake”, whereas repairing village roads, drains, and street lights is what truly addresses the people’s immediate needs. We support efforts to enhance Batu Kawa’s tourism appeal, but we cannot accept a situation where scenic development projects come at the expense of the everyday safety and welfare of thousands of residents.
“These should not be treated as an either-or choice. They must progress together. The government should demonstrate the same level of commitment to upgrading basic infrastructure in our villages and neighbourhoods,” he said.
He emphasised that if the Sarawak Government is sincere about its commitment to people-centred development, then basic public infrastructure must not be sidelined while implementing major development projects.
Large-scale transport infrastructure and essential community facilities must advance hand in hand if the government is to deliver responsible and balanced governance.
Sim also urged the government to conduct comprehensive public consultations before implementing future large-scale development projects, allowing the people to participate in the decision-making process and ensuring that such projects genuinely reflect the needs and expectations of the community.
“A beautiful glass bridge and a 3-kilometre riverside promenade will undoubtedly add a new attraction to Batu Kawa. But if the government can simultaneously improve village roads, drainage systems, and street lighting so that residents no longer have to worry about flooded roads or walking home in the dark, the long-term benefits to society would far outweigh those of a new photo-taking landmark. We hope the government will demonstrate the same determination and allocate the same level of resources to solving the everyday problems faced by the people while building new landmarks.”
