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BA KELALAN (Feb 7): Villagers in Ba Kelalan are voicing their frustration over the worsening condition of the Long Beluyu-Denaring Road, which has been almost impassable for the past two weeks due to continuous rainfall. The damaged 2km stretch has turned into a muddy obstacle course, making it impossible for small vehicles to pass and forcing residents to walk through tough terrain to reach their destinations.
As the new school term approaches, the urgency grows for parents who need to send their children to school in Lawas. The poor road condition has also disrupted the delivery of essential subsidised goods to highland settlements, compounding the community’s struggles.
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Chairman of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Ba Kelalan branch, Tadam Arun, highlighted the community’s concerns when speaking to Utusan Borneo. He urged the contractor responsible to expedite the repairs.
“Residents are appealing to the contractor to repair this road immediately, including laying stones to ensure safe passage. They have endured this situation for over two weeks, making it difficult for daily activities,” Tadam said.
He stressed that basic infrastructure like roads is crucial for the well-being and development of the highland communities.
“Looking at the condition of this road, it feels like we’ve gone back to the 80s. The government must prioritise appointing a contractor to repair this vital road connecting Ba Kelalan to Lawas town,” he added.
The poor condition of the road affects more than 6,000 residents across Long Luping, Long Semadoh, and Ba Kelalan. According to Tadam, the damage not only disrupts transportation but also impacts children’s school activities, raising further concerns for the community.
Residents hope that immediate action will be taken to improve the situation before it worsens, ensuring better accessibility for all.