KUCHING: Development projects in Sarawak that were stalled from 2016 to 2022 under the 12th Malaysia Plan will be fast-tracked for completion before the 13th Malaysia Plan begins in 2026.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Patinggi Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said there are 24 delayed projects in Sarawak worth around RM1.4bil.
He said these projects will be given priority for immediate implementation in Sarawak.
“They (the projects) are quite substantial, and we have prioritised them. Any issues that need to be resolved by the state government will be addressed, particularly land acquisition.
“We have ensured that technical and implementation aspects are also addressed to facilitate management and evaluation.
“There’s no point in initiating new projects if the older ones are not addressed or started,” he told a press conference following a briefing on the implementation of his ministry’s development projects with Sarawak leaders here today (Nov 3).
Zahid added that the delayed projects under the ministry include infrastructure projects for rural areas, rural water supply, rural electricity supply, rural road connectivity, as well as projects under Jiwa Murni focusing on upgrading logging roads.
“What we decided earlier is that stakeholders must be prioritised, especially regarding connectivity between Pan Borneo and smaller towns or certain cities, which must have road links to facilitate connectivity.
“We also want former logging roads to be upgraded. For that, we have allocated around RM85 million, and all works are expected to be completed this year,” he added.
In a media statement, the ministry announced an allocation of RM713,163,470 under Rolling Plan 4 of RMK-12 for this year, encompassing 292 projects — 70 new and 222 ongoing.
As of October 21, 2024, project implementation status indicated 195 projects in pre-implementation, 69 in progress, and 26 in post-implementation.
Also present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang, and Deputy Minister for Utilities and Telecommunications Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi
