17 October 2023
Topik Pada Hari Ini
> John Bara, Penduduk Uma Akeh Ulu Baram - Memperkasa Komuniti Tempatan: Keperluan Ketelusan dalam Program Subsidi
> Mark Bujang, Pakar Pemetaan Tanah - Pemetaan Komuniti untuk Perlindungan Tanah Orang Asal
> Nasir Dollah, Naib Pengerusi JKOAK - Air Bersih, Rumah Batu: Pembangunan Penting untuk Kesejahteraan Orang Asli
> Thomas Jalong, Aktivis dari Ulu Baram - Perjalanan Berisiko: Jambatan-Jambatan Rosak di Baram dan Risiko yang Belum Ditangani
On Today Show
> John Bara, Resident of Uma Akeh Ulu Baram – Empowering Local Communities: The Need for Transparency in Subsidy Programs
> Mark Bujang, land mapping expertise – Community Mapping for Indigenous Land Protection
> Nasir Dollah, Deputy Chairman of JKOAK – Clean Water, Safe Homes: Essential Investments for Orang Asli Well-being
> Thomas Jalong, activist from Ulu Baram – A Perilous Journey: Baram's Damaged Bridges and Unaddressed Risks
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*Special Randau*
1. A by-election in the Kemaman parliamentary constituency in Terengganu on December 2, 2023, followed the court's decision to annul the victory of a PAS candidate found guilty of practicing corruption. Previously, a PAS candidate in the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary constituency was also convicted of corruption. The question arises: why does PAS have significant funds for bribing voters, and why is PAS involved in corrupt practices?
2. PMX Anwar is considering providing subsidies through cash transfers to prevent wastage. PMX responded to a question by Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN Paya Besar) during the Prime Minister's Question Time (PMQT) session.
3. The United Nations Security Council failed to pass a ceasefire resolution in the Gaza Strip. This resolution was proposed by Russia.
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John Bara, Resident of Uma Akeh Ulu Baram
*Empowering Local Communities: The Need for Transparency in Subsidy Programs*
John Bara, a government supporter, expressed his contentment when PMX announced a civilian budget of RM393.8 billion. However, he had doubts about certain aspects of the budget. Firstly, he questioned the allocation of substantial subsidies to rural residents, particularly the RM225 million designated for financing the transportation costs of essential food items to rural areas in Sabah and Sarawak. He believed that this allocation might not be executed smoothly and proposed the establishment of a community watch team to monitor and report any potential misappropriation of this subsidy. Additionally, he suggested that retail stores participating in this program should display signboards to help consumers identify stores selling subsidized goods with government-regulated prices.
Secondly, John Bara expressed concern that the government did not appear to be genuinely focused on assisting farmers and rice growers in rural areas, specifically in Baram, where there are rice planting projects in Long Atun and a paddy field scheme in Ulu Tinjar, managed by the local community. He stressed the need for support in the form of machinery, multi-grain rice seeds, advanced agricultural technology, and, most importantly, improved road infrastructure to access the rice growing areas. John emphasized that substantial investment in agricultural infrastructure projects was crucial for Sarawak to become self-sufficient in rice production.
Regarding Sarawak Premier Abang Johari's speech at the UN special convention, in which he mentioned that by 2030 there would be no more rural areas in Sarawak due to improved infrastructure, John advised the Premier to prioritize action before making grand statements. He believed that the government should substantiate its plans with tangible results on the ground.
John Bara also mentioned that his wife's village in Long Loyang had never received government-subsidized goods and expressed hope that during Madani's administration, they would benefit from more affordable subsidized goods.
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Mark Bujang, land mapping expertise
*Community Mapping for Indigenous Land Protection*
Deputy Prime Minister Zahid stated that 4,839 hectares of land in Sabah and Sarawak will be developed for a "Jelapang Padi" project to meet the demand for rice supplies.
However, Mark Bujang expressed the view that if the government wishes to revitalize rice cultivation, it should provide full assistance to landowners and refrain from entirely entrusting large companies with paddy cultivation projects while confiscating the people's land. He emphasized the need to focus not only on extensive land areas like Batang Lupar but also on supporting individuals who cultivate rice based on the size of their land. Assistance should be extended to them in terms of modern farming methods for rice cultivation, including providing seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, especially given the high prices of fertilizers and pesticides.
Mark Bujang also stressed the importance of revitalizing the Department of Agriculture and launching awareness campaigns in rural communities to encourage a resurgence in rice cultivation. This would reduce dependency on imported rice, as the price of rice continues to rise.
As an expert in land mapping, Mark Bujang called upon landowners who lack proper land documents and land measurements to engage with NGOs for the purpose of community mapping. This step aims to prevent any encroachment on their land and make it more difficult for any parties attempting to take away indigenous land.
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Nasir Dollah, Deputy Chairman of JKOAK
*Clean Water, Safe Homes: Essential Investments for Orang Asli Well-being*
As is customary, there is an annual budget allocation for the Orang Asli communities, and from the government's perspective, this budget may seem sufficient. However, the crucial question remains: how effectively does this budget benefit the Orang Asli communities?
In Nasir view, it would be more advantageous if the government were to prioritize infrastructure development, as this is a primary concern for these communities. One key aspect of infrastructure development would be to establish reliable transportation access that connects all the Orang Asli villages in the interior. This is an issue that has been raised and advocated for by the Orang Asli for decades. Improved access not only enhances their mobility but also facilitates economic activities and access to essential services.
Secondly, addressing the supply of clean water is of paramount importance. Many Orang Asli communities still lack access to safe and potable water sources. Ensuring a consistent supply of clean water would have a profound impact on their health and overall quality of life.
Another vital area that requires attention is housing. Many Orang Asli live in substandard housing conditions, and investing in housing infrastructure can greatly enhance their living standards and well-being.
While socioeconomic programs have been introduced to provide additional sources of income, there is a need for a more structured and clear approach. It is crucial to set specific targets and guidelines, including identifying how and where to market their products and how to promote them effectively. This will enable Orang Asli communities to maximize the benefits from these programs and participate more actively in the broader economy.
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Thomas Jalong, activist from Ulu Baram
*A Perilous Journey: Baram's Damaged Bridges and Unaddressed Risks*
Abang Johari emphasized that there would be no more remote areas once the Miri-Marudi-Long Terawan-Gunung Buda-Limbang Road is connected to the main highway. He mentioned that the government is currently working on developing infrastructure along this route, which includes providing access to water and electricity.
However, while there are significant funds allocated for a road project like the Miri-Limbang GPS road, the question arises as to why there hasn't been a similar focus on repairing existing bridges or building new roads in the Ulu Baram region. So far, there hasn't been any indication of Abang Johari's plans to address these pressing infrastructure issues.
Thomas Jalong has drawn attention to the alarming condition of most bridges in the Baram interior, with visible signs of damage. Without prompt repairs, there's a substantial risk of vehicles plunging into the river, creating a highly perilous situation. Unfortunately, this issue has yet to receive the necessary attention and action from the state government. Logging companies, while being major stakeholders in the region, have also been slow to address the problem, often citing a shortage of timber as the reason for delaying repairs. Regrettably, the state government has not exerted pressure on these logging companies to expedite the much-needed bridge repairs, compounding the issue.