KUCHING: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKWD) has channeled more than RM900 million in allocation for the implementation of projects in Sarawak this year.
Its Deputy Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang said the allocation will be used to implement 38 new projects in the state.
“The projects will include the construction of rural access roads, social amenities, housing projects for the poor as well as 203 extension projects.
“With all these 38 new and 203 extension projects, this makes the total cost of 241 projects amounting to RM13.49 billion,” she said.
She said this during a media engagement with the ministry programme at Hilton Hotel here yesterday.
Rubiah also said her ministry will carry out its full commitment to bring more development particularly in the rural areas of Sabah and Sarawak.
“In the 2023 Budget, the KKWD has received an increase of allocation amounting to RM510 million or 10 per cent, making the total allocation to the ministry amounting to RM11.04 billion as compared to last year.
“Therefore, the ministry is thankful and determined to focus on balanced development between the two regions, namely Peninsular Malaysia with Sarawak and Sabah through the distribution of large allocations,” she pointed out.
Besides that, she said the ministry is committed to boost Sarawak and Sabah’s economy through the rice estate initiative.
“For Sarawak, we have yet to identify the location for the rice cultivation, but the initiative will be implemented by the ministry’s agency, Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (FELCRA).
“This is also part of our efforts to support the government’s desire to make sure of food security and as one of the ministries that has a role and responsibility for the rural areas,” she pointed out.
On a related note, she said as announced by Deputy Prime Minister and KKWD Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during his visit to Kuching, the government has agreed to repair logging roads in the state and to be completed before Christmas this year.
“The government has agreed to repair logging roads in Sarawak throughout 578 kilometres.
“Most of these projects are in the interior and northern areas of Sarawak, such as in the interior areas of Miri, Limbang and Belaga,” she said.
On another note, she thanked the media for working closely with the ministry in disseminating information on their projects and programmes.
“I hope that this good and close relationship will continue, and the ministry greatly appreciates all the publicity that has been given,” she said.
