He also announced a RM50 million allocation for a new health clinic in the Bekenu state constituency.

“RM5 million is to build an esplanade in Kampung Seberang Bekenu,” he said when addressing the people at a tea reception in the town.

Najib, who is Barisan Nasional chairman, urged the people of Bekenu to support the BN candidate in the coming general election.

He went on a walkabout in Bekenu, accompanied by Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Tun Openg, after arriving by helicopter from Bakun.

More than 5,000 residents had gathered at the Esplanade from as early as 10am.

The new clinic would benefit about 60,000 people in Niah and Sibuti, said Bekenu state assemblyman Rosey Yunus.

“We hope that construction of the clinic can be expedited as the prime minister has given the approval,” she said, adding that the proposed location was Niah.

She said the small clinic operating in Bekenu could not handle the rising number of patients, many of whom had to be referred to the already-congested Miri health clinic.

She said the new esplanade in Kampung Seberang Bekenu would boost tourism and serve as a flood mitigation infrastructure as well as promote water sports activities for the young in Bekenu.