RM1.1 mln suspension bridges to enhance connectivity for Penan community in Long Napir

MIRI (Feb 7): The Penan community in Long Napir stand to benefit from the construction of two suspension bridges in Hulu Limbang with safer and more convenient river crossing, said Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang.

The Batu Danau assemblyman said these projects costing RM1.1 million is an answer to the request by the community in this hinterland in the upper reaches of Limbang River basin over the years for better infrastructure.

“The two suspension bridges at Kampung Bahagia and Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Long Napir in Ulu Limbang will facilitate the mobility of villagers and students from the Kelabit and Penan communities as well as Long Napir school residents,” he said.

Long Napir is a cluster of four settlements of Penan and Kelabit communities in the Limbang Division.

The opening ceremony of the two bridges was officiated by Paulus on Tuesday, and among those present were his wife Datin Mary Sindang, Limbang Division Resident representative Jaenly Marten and Limbang district officer representative Danny David.

Paulus said the project funded by the Sarawak Forest Concession Trust Fund Board was divided into two packages – a suspension bridge in Kampung Bahagia (RM600,000) and another at SK Long Napir (RM500,000).

“This proves that the government has never marginalised the minorities in Sarawak, especially those living in the interior,” he said.

The bridges are significant for the Penan people in the settlement to enjoy more comfortable communication facilities which are located at the other side of the river where their Kelabit cousins settle.

Paulus looked forward to the fulfilment of the community’s aspiration to have access to better health services with the construction of a health clinic in Long Napir which will start soon.

The assemblyman said the government will also be building a multipurpose hall in Kampung Bahagia which is expected to begin construction next year.

Meanwhile, he approved a grant of RM25,000 to the village security and development committee (JKKK) of Kampung Long Napir.

He also allocated RM10,000 and RM5,000 respectively to the JKKK of Kampung Bahagia and parent-teacher association of SK Long Napir.

-Agency