Uggah Reaffirms Sarawak’s Focus on Telang Usan Development

KUCHING – Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving infrastructure, access to basic services and development opportunities in interior communities, including Telang Usan and Mulu.

He made the remarks during a courtesy visit by the Telang Usan Community Committee at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Complex on 15 October, held alongside the fourth day of the Second Meeting of the Fifth Term of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly.

The delegation was led by Temenggong Joseph Ngau Lian, head of the Kenyah community in Miri Division and chairman of the committee.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Office for Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring and Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala was also present.

Uggah said the state government would continue working to ensure that residents in remote areas had access to essential amenities and better opportunities for development.

He also encouraged communities to make use of government initiatives, particularly those focused on education and human capital development.

The committee expressed appreciation for development projects undertaken in Telang Usan, particularly improvements to roads serving settlements in the interior.

The delegation also acknowledged Uggah’s involvement in efforts to assess the condition of former logging roads in the Ulu Baram area.

One of the initiatives highlighted was XPDC 1.0 Bario in 2025, during which Uggah travelled approximately 375 kilometres from Miri to Bario with officers from the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) to inspect former logging roads.

The exercise contributed to efforts to take over and gazette former logging roads as state roads. Such a process can provide a formal basis for government maintenance and improvement works, helping address access and road safety concerns in remote communities.

Road connectivity remains a significant consideration for settlements across Telang Usan, where communities are spread over a wide geographical area.

According to the information provided, the constituency’s coverage includes 27 longhouses and villages, many of which depend on road networks that were previously used for logging activities.

Infrastructure improvements have already been carried out on roads connecting 15 of the 27 settlements, including associated bridges.

The works were implemented through a project involving the Highland Development Agency (HDA) and JKR Sarawak, with the aim of improving connectivity between communities.

Access to electricity has also been addressed through the Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (SARES).

All 27 settlements are reported to receive electricity for 14 hours daily under the scheme, while almost all have access to telephone and internet services.

Water supply infrastructure is another part of ongoing development efforts in the area. One clean water supply project has been completed, while two additional projects are still under construction by HDA.

These initiatives address several practical challenges faced by interior communities, including access to essential services, transport links and digital connectivity.

Reliable roads can support travel between settlements and access to public services, while electricity, telecommunications and clean water infrastructure contribute to everyday living conditions.

The progress outlined during the meeting also points to the continuing role of coordination between state agencies, development bodies and local community representatives in identifying infrastructure needs.

For remote settlements, project delivery and ongoing maintenance remain important considerations alongside the initial construction of facilities.

Uggah’s meeting with the committee provided an opportunity for community representatives to acknowledge completed works and highlight the importance of continued attention to rural development.

The state government’s stated focus remains on improving basic amenities and expanding opportunities for residents in Telang Usan, Mulu and other interior areas of Sarawak. — Sarawak Daily