KUCHING: The development agenda in Sarawak is set to transform every region of the state by 2030.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the wide range of developmental initiatives spans from the southern to the central and northern regions.
“From 2017 and the current situation of the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA), I believe we have to adjust our emphasis on the development of RECODA.
“Areas under RECODA are very wide and therefore I think that we must have a certain focus on development plans on RECODA.
“Which is why during my visit to Kapit then, I formed the Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA) and immediately gave a budget of RM1.5 billion for the agency to develop projects,” he said.
He said this during the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy’s (SCORE) 15th anniversary dinner at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) last night (Nov 17).
Abang Johari said following URDA, the other regional development agencies that were set up included Highland Development Agency (HDA), Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA), Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA), Sri Aman Development Agency (Sada), Rascom Area Development Agency (RADA), Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA), Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA) and the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA).
“For the nine agencies, the state government has allocated RM13.5 billion. It is a huge sum but we have to accelerate the basic infrastructure such as road bridges that will become a booster to our rural economic growth including modern agriculture as well as services industry.
“And this must be supported by other important strategic infrastructure that is power and water supply as well as digital infrastructure,” he said.
He said the state is currently focusing on green and renewable energy and is going to produce green methanol and green ammonia.
“So, what the government is going to do now is to enhance our green energy production, enhance our renewable power source and also to diversify our sources of energy.
“Therefore, in the next seven years towards 2030, I believe every corner of Sarawak will be busy,” said Abang Johari.
Meanwhile, RECODA chief executive officer Datuk Ismawi Ismuni paid tribute to the visionary leadership of Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and the late and former Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, who set SCORE on a visionary path.
He also said RECODA holds a unique position, with strong affiliations in both the federal and Sarawak governments.
“With this synergy, SCORE continues to be one of the leading catalysts to drive the economic growth of Sarawak,” he said.
He also said RECODA is inspired by the visionary leadership of Abang Johari, who established the three Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) – URDA, HDA and NRDA in 2017 and empowered them with a total allocation of RM4.5 billion.
“With such a mandate entrusted upon us, it has challenged us to be innovative and seek impactful approaches and initiatives in the way we work to ensure seamless project planning and implementation, as well as to develop essential infrastructure and amenities in the Upper Rajang Basin, Baram hinterland and the northern region of Sarawak,” he said.
He also said each RDA has succeeded in driving projects to uplift the livelihood of the communities in their respective areas.
“While, the impact of the SCORE development plan is not only felt in terms of project implementation in RDAs, but also in the gem of SCORE, the Samalaju Industrial Park (SIP), which stands at the heart of our economic development,” he said.
Ismawi then said he is confident that SCORE is well-positioned to continue its growth and development in the years to come with the strong foundation that it has built.
“Moving forward, let’s prioritise renewable energy and sustainable development, ensuring the prosperity of Sarawak for generations to come,” he said.
