KenaSaman.com

LAWAS: A newly-built 10km road from Kuala Lawas to Simpang Punang has changed the lives of about 4,200 locals here.

The route was previously only accessible by light vehicles, such as small lorries and motorcycles, as road users had to travel through an earth road that stretches from Kampung Nor Islam Laut in Kuala Lawas to Punang Sundar Road.

Most residents are fishermen or farmers and had to go through rough and slippery road conditions, especially during the wet season.

A proposal was made to upgrade the road by paving it. The project cost about RM7.4mil and was financed by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry.

The road was made safer and allowed for a faster and better commute for the convenience of local residents residing along the areas.

Before the existence of paved roads in the area, the villagers rely on river transportation or small tracts to commute from one location to another.

The area saw significant boost in economic activities, namely via farming and the local industry for sea produce.

The road provided linkage between villages, schools, clinics, government institutions and other industries located in Lawas Town.

Kampung Pemukat village head Abdul Kadir Haji Akob said the new stretch of road to his village was “like a dream”.

“We never imagined having the road tarred and sealed right to our door step. When we open the windows, we used to see the river, but that has changed now,” he said.

The area has potential to be developed into an important agriculture and tourism spot with local attractions such as the Lawas Regatta and Pesta Bebulang (Buffalo Race for the Bisaya community).

The provision of roads is in line with the Government’s policy and objective of bringing benefits to rural population and improving the quality of life in rural communities.

Improving rural basic infrastructure is a National Key Results Area (NKRA) that impacts the rural population which constitutes about 35% of Malaysians.

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