SPAOH: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has requested the assistance of the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development in developing the Betong Division.
This appeal was made during a ‘Ngiling Tikai’ gathering at Rh Entri Lengkoi in Samu here which was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today (July 2).
Uggah said that the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) alone cannot accomplish all the necessary tasks and responsibilities.
He acknowledged the Integrated Village Economic Development Project (PROSPEK) programme implemented by the ministry, which focuses on enhancing basic infrastructure, creating job opportunities, reducing poverty, and improving living standards.
Therefore, Uggah, who is also the Bukit Saban assemblyman, urged Ahmad Zahid to consider implementing PROSPEK projects in Betong, similar to the ongoing projects in Matu and Lawas.
Although the ministry has already initiated various development programmes in the Betong parliamentary constituency, Uggah admitted that these efforts have been more successful in infrastructure development, such as road connections, water supplies, and electricity, rather than in enhancing income levels and addressing unemployment and poverty.
Uggah also highlighted the e-kasih data, which reveals that there are about 2,413 households classified as hardcore poor and an additional 6,330 households categorised as poor in Betong.
