Baram: The Public Works Department (JKR) is expected to issue the tender for the construction of a new bridge across Sungai Sengayan in Long Jekitan, Baram next month. Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala said the request for a permanent bridge had been made earlier as a safety measure for villagers needing to cross the river.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the need for a new bridge arose because the area serves as a logging route, and the existing wooden bridge has collapsed, rendering it unusable. While villagers can still cross the river during low tide, it poses significant risks during heavy rain or strong currents. Gerawat emphasized the importance of this infrastructure development to ensure the safety of the local community.

Gerawat commented on a recent incident involving a villager who was swept away by strong currents while attempting to cross Sungai Sengayan on Sunday night. The authorities are actively searching for the missing victim, Dawellies Luing, 46, and are committed to providing support to the affected families.

Dawellies, a staff member at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Jekitan, was in a four-wheel drive vehicle with his wife Litun Ajip, their daughter Vallerie Mentie, nine, and a driver when they attempted to cross the river and were swept away. Litun and the driver managed to save themselves, but tragically, Vallerie was found drowned about two kilometres from the scene by villagers on Monday.

Her body was taken to the family’s home in Long Tikan and laid to rest on Wednesday. The ongoing search and rescue operation includes personnel from the Marudi Fire and Rescue Station (BBP), police, Civil Defence Force (APM), SK Long Jekitan teachers, and local villagers.