Murum rep urges priority for 167km farm road to unlock Sungai Asap’s agriculture potential

The world's largest Sape' sculpture installed in Sungai Asap, Belaga is recognised by Malaysia Book of Records and Elite World Records. Photo credit: Kasatarca Steampunk Artist/Metal Sculptor

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Oct 14: Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon has urged the Sarawak government to prioritise the development of a 167-kilometre agricultural road network in Sungai Asap, stressing that fertile farmland cannot be fully utilised without proper road access.

He said the project would provide access to 1,969 agricultural lots, enabling farmers to transport equipment, cultivate their land more efficiently and bring their produce to market.

“I hope the implementation of Phase One would proceed more smoothly, while Phase Two should also be given priority,” he said while debating the Sarawak Budget 2027 at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUNS) sitting today.

He expressed appreciation for Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s attention and commitment in helping to find solutions to challenges affecting the project’s implementation.

Chukpai said the agricultural road project had the potential to stimulate economic activities among the Sungai Asap community and contribute to Sarawak’s food security agenda.

He also outlined an integrated rural economic development approach for the Murum constituency, particularly in the BRS Sungai Asap area, aimed at turning technology and modern agricultural practices into higher incomes for local communities.

Chukpai said the proposed development would build on two existing initiatives: the completed Sungai Asap Agricultural Station and the Sungai Asap Digital Village (SADV), which has been approved and is being implemented.

“Under the proposed approach, the government aims to establish a Smart Agriculture Transformation Centre (SATC), expand smart farming practices and develop a Food Terminal to serve as a central hub for collecting, processing and marketing agricultural produce,” he said.

He explained that each component would play a complementary role in strengthening the rural economy, with digital infrastructure providing technology, the SATC supplying agricultural knowledge, smart farming increasing production, and farmers and cooperatives driving economic activities.

“Agricultural roads would provide the necessary access, while the Food Terminal would connect farmers’ produce to wider markets. The ultimate goal is to increase the income and well-being of the people,” he said.

Chukpai called on the relevant ministries and agencies to work towards detailing and implementing the SATC, smart farming and Food Terminal initiatives in stages.

He said the integrated approach could eventually serve as a model for rural economic development in other interior areas of Sarawak.