BINTULU: Dredging of Sungai Sebiew and Sungai Kemena will start soon to alleviate flooding problems, said Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem yesterday.


Adenan, flanked by Jamilah and Talib, shows off his cooking skill.


Jamilah (second right), accompanied by Talib’s wife, Datin Dr Zaliha Abdullah (third left), presenting goodies to needy folk.

The chief minister however said this project would not completely end flooding here; hence the drainage system in some areas must be well managed.

On another matter, Adenan, who is also Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) chairman, urged the people here to alert the authority if they bumped into problems such as traffic congestion.

Alternatively, they could file their complaints to him.

“I am the chairman (of BDA). You tell me, and I will ensure it gets done,” he said at a Hari Raya gathering at Jepak Mosque.

Citing drainage and uncollected rubbish issues highlighted by Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing recently, Adenan said he immediately directed BDA general manager Datu Mohidin Ishak to resolve the matter within seven days.

He advised those who file complaints to submit evidence, such as photographs, if possible, so that action could be taken promptly.

On the coming 11th Malaysia Plan, Adenan said more emphasis would be given to developing rural areas.

“People in the rural areas are still struggling. This concerns the government as they are still left far behind.

“We want Sarawak to be like Malaya. We don’t want to be left behind anymore in Malaysia. We shall seek the previous promise of equal opportunities.”

He said his administration would develop the rural areas by using the concept that was used to transform Samarahan from a rural outback to what it is today.

“It is our dream, hard to achieve, but we must begin now as it will take time. This is my pledge.”
On the oil and gas royalty issue, he said Petronas had agreed in principle to the request, and negotiations had started.

“We don’t want to be a spectator while others take it away from us. We need active participation.”

During the Hari Raya gathering, three companies donated to the Bintulu Islamic Welfare Trust Board (Lakib) as part of their corporate social responsibility. Naim Holdings Bhd chipped in RM50,000, Jepak Holdings Sdn Bhd (RM25,888.88) and Sim Swee Joo Trading Sdn Bhd (RM20,000).

Present were State Assembly Speaker Datuk Amar Mohammad Asfia Awang Nassar, Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Talib Zulpilip, Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunications) Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Local Government and Native Adat) Datuk John Sikie Tayai.