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Nangka rep reaffirms commitment to rural development during Gawai longhouse visits
Dr Annuar (centre) joins longhouse chief Tuai Rumah Kawau (fourth right) and community leader Penghulu Eddy (third left) for a Gawai cake-cutting ceremony.
SIBU (June 12): Nangka assemblyman Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee visited seven longhouses during the recent Gawai Dayak celebrations, reaffirming his commitment to basic infrastructure and utilities in the area – starting with the newly established Rumah Donny Nyanggai and Rumah Kawau Anggang.
At Rumah Donny, a 12-door longhouse developed under the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Dr Annuar announced several key initiatives.
These include the construction of a paved access road, a public toilet facility, and the upgrading of the 'ruai' ceiling and flooring.
A total of RM150,000 has already been allocated for the project.
Dr Annuar, who also serves as the deputy minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, shared that gazettement of Rumah Donny is being considered to facilitate future development approvals.
He emphasised that essential utilities – namely electricity, clean water supply, and telecommunications – are being prioritised.
'For electricity, internal wiring must be completed by certified contractors before Sarawak Energy Berhad can proceed with supply connection after Gawai or in the near future,' he explained.
At Rumah Kawau Anggang, a 25-door longhouse, Dr Annuar gave assurance that clean water and electricity issues would be resolved promptly, with road access to the area also prioritised.
To tackle internet challenges in rural areas, he proposed the use of Starlink satellite technology as a more efficient solution than building telecommunications towers, especially in sparsely populated areas.
For 2026, Dr Annuar has approved RM300,000 for the installation of ceilings, lighting, and fans in the ruai areas across all 34 longhouses in his constituency as part of a broad upgrade initiative.
During his stop at the Kemas kindergarten at Rumah Jawin Janting, Dr Annuat expressed commitment to work with local village chiefs Tuai Rumah Jawin, Tuai Rumah Jangan Pung, and Tuai Rumah Ba'ie Bundan to identify a suitable location for a children's playground.
'Although it may take some time, I will see to it that the playground becomes a reality,' he assured.
Before lunch, he visited Rumah Ba'ie Bundan, where he approved the construction of 16 ruai door sections.
In the afternoon, visits continued to Rumah Jangan Pung, Rumah Melissa Ilong and Rumah Jok Ingon.
Three additional longhouses – Rumah Miskin Lanting, Rumah Manjah Ediaze and Rumah Nicholas Bennet Ben – were also scheduled for visits on Friday, but had to be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. dr annuar rapaee Gawai longhouse rural development Sibu
