Concerned villagers and road users
Villagers and daily commuters who rely on the Long Banyok-Long Ekang-Bawang Sibong (Lugan Sibong)-Sebubuh road have lodged a formal complaint with the Sarawak ministry responsible for infrastructure, calling for the urgent repair and upgrading of what is the only road access serving their communities.
The complaint was submitted on behalf of residents from eight villages and longhouses, namely Long Banyok, Uma Akeh, Long Puak, Long Ekang, Bawang Sibong (Lugan Sibong), Rumah Jilan, Rumah Duri and Sebubuh.
The road serves as a vital transport link for more than 3,000 residents from the Kayan, Kenyah and Iban communities.
According to the complaint, villagers have repeatedly raised concerns over the worsening condition of the gravel road, which is increasingly hazardous to motorists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.
The road is essential for access to schools, clinics, government offices, markets, the airport, farms and other daily necessaries.
The complainants highlighted several critical issues requiring immediate attention.
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- Large sections of the road, particularly between Long Banyok, Long Ekang and Bawang Sibong, are frequently flooded and require elevation to ensure year-round access and safer travel.
- The crossing at Sungai Layak has deteriorated after an earth-filled section collapsed, while the alternative route is narrow, steep, muddy and dangerous, especially during the rainy season. Residents are requesting the construction of a proper bridge at the site.
- A particularly hazardous section exists near the Petronas gas pipeline crossing, where severe road deterioration, potholes and unstable road conditions have increased the risk of accidents, especially during wet weather.
Villagers and road users are especially concerned that the deteriorating condition of the road at the gas pipeline crossing could hamper proper maintenance access to the pipeline infrastructure.
Any further deterioration may increase the risk of damage to facilities in the area, potentially creating safety concerns including the possibility of a gas leakage or other serious incidents.
In view of these concerns, Petronas Gas has also been notified of the dangerous condition of the road, particularly at and around the gas pipeline crossing, so that appropriate attention can be given to the potential safety implications arising from continued deterioration of the access route.
The communities stressed that this road is their sole transport corridor and that continued delays in repair and upgrading work will adversely affect public safety, access to essential services, emergency response capability and the economic activities of residents.
The villagers and commuters therefore respectfully call upon the relevant state authorities and agencies to prioritise immediate remedial works, long-term upgrading of the road, and the construction of the necessary infrastructure to ensure safe and reliable access for all users.
Concerned villagers and road users of Long Banyok, Long Ekang, Bawang Sibong (Lugan Sibong), Sebubuh and surrounding communities, Baram.
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