On Today Show
— Paul Wan from Long Lama – Decades-Long Issue: Why is Sarawak Spending Money on Container Clinics?
— Voon Lee Shan, President of Bumi Kenyalang Party (PBK) – Judicial Review Sought for Appointment of Sarawak TYT
— Nick Kelesau, Penan Activist – Empowering Penan Unity: Addressing Internal Regulations and Rights
Topik Pada Hari Ini
— Paul Wan dari Long Lama – Isu Berdekad: Mengapa Sarawak Menghabiskan Wang untuk Klinik Kontena?
— Voon Lee Shan, Presiden Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) – Semakan Kehakiman Dicari bagi Pelantikan TYT Sarawak
— Nick Kelesau, Aktivis Penan – Memperkasakan Persatuan Penan: Mengatasi Peraturan Dalaman dan Hak
--------------------
Paul Wan from Long Lama
*Decades-Long Issue: Why is Sarawak Spending Money on Container Clinics?*
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has approved RM951,200 to purchase and modify high cube containers for use as an interim clinic in Long Lama, Baram. In a written reply to a question raised by Baram MP Datuk Anyi Ngau in the Parliament recently, MoH said that the project is expected to take at least six months to be completed and will kick off as soon as the process to acquire the site is completed.
This decision comes after longstanding issues with the clinic's facilities, dating back 20 to 30 years. Initially, the clinic was a wooden structure on the riverbank, but it has since fallen into disrepair, with the old site eroded and abandoned.
Paul Wan from Long Lama comment that, despite the need for repairs, the old clinic site has remained untouched. Instead, the clinic was relocated across the river, where only staff quarters were built, leaving the community without a proper clinic. For the past five years, the Long Lama clinic has been operating out of the Long Lama Community Hall, causing inconvenience during events held there.
The Sarawak government has previously expressed self-reliance, yet the lack of action on the clinic issue raises questions. The old clinic, established in the 1960s-80s, should have been upgraded to a hospital, given Long Lama's importance as the central area of Baram. The area relies heavily on the old road, and with the completion of the Sabah/Sarawak link road, Long Lama is set to become a central point between the two states.
However, instead of addressing these pressing needs, the government's focus seems misplaced. There are concerns that the decision to use containers for the clinic is a temporary solution, indicating a lack of long-term planning. Furthermore, plans to build a DAM to control river flow raise suspicions of land grabbing under the guise of development.
Paul emphasize that, The people of Sarawak deserve better, and it is time for action to address these longstanding issues.
