BY LEE SHAW WEI, NATASHA JEE & MA CHEE SENG
From the RM7.5 billion allocated to the Development Budget, 60 per cent or RM4.5 billion, is targeted for development in rural areas.
Deputy Premier and Second Minister for Finance and New Economy Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said that in comparison to Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak is still lacking in terms of its infrastructure development, especially in rural areas.
“Therefore, this allocation is both welcomed and necessary. It is evident that through this budget commitment, the GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) government is serious in its efforts to develop rural areas.
“We will leave no one behind,” Uggah said this in his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting yesterday.
Uggah revealed that the 2023 Development Budget has allocated a total sum of RM795.711 million for the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD), which is also another ministry of his.
“This will allow us to undertake four basic infrastructure programmes to be funded which are RM490.941 million for land infrastructure; RM83.860 million for riverine infrastructure; RM167.410 million for government buildings and RM53.500 million for public buildings.
“This generous budget allocation highlights the commitment and determination of our GPS government to ensure that Sarawak will progress, and that the well-being of our people will continue to flourish,” Uggah concluded.
