The government should consider providing subsistence allowance for villagers, who are mostly farmers, in the vicinity of the Bakun hydro-electric dam project who are facing problems of drought and shallow rivers due to the impoundment of the dam.

Liwan Lagang (BN-Belaga) said since the impoundment started two weeks ago, the express boats which were a vital means of transport for the people, could not operate due to the low-water level of the Rajang and Balui rivers.

"Rising price of daily essentials and transportation cost have further compounded their problems," he said when debating on the Supply Bill 2011 at the state assembly sitting in Kuching today.

"Therefore, I urge that these people who have sacrificed for national development, be assisted by giving them an allowance like what had been done for fishermen whose livelihood were affected by the monsoon season."

He said the subsistence allowance was only temporary to tide the villagers over this difficult time due to the dam impoundment

Bank needed in Belaga

    

Liwan also proposed that the government relax the conditions for entry into the teacher training colleges for Penan youths with Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) certificate so that they could serve their own community after graduation.

He said this would also help solve the shortage of teachers in remote areas.

He added that the government also needed to expose the Penan community to modern farming methods in order for them to increase crop yields and hence, their income.

Liwan also wants a bank to be opened in Belaga for the convenience of public servants serving in the area and a doctor be placed at the Belaga clinic.

- Bernama