SAMARAHAN: The state government continues to be committed to the development of rural infrastructural facilities and amenities such as the supply of water and electricity.
Chief Minister and Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said while the state government emphasised the digitalisation of various sectors, rural development was still given priority.
“Efforts to develop Sarawak are a big challenge for the state government. Nonetheless, our main focus is to overcome the problems of supplying clean water and providing electricity in the interiors of Sarawak,” he said.
He was speaking at the 25th UNIMAS convocation ceremony at Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra (DeTAR Putra) yesterday (Feb 16).
Abang Johari lauded UNIMAS for helping communities in the rural areas to enjoy basic facilities that have not been able to be channelled by the government.
He cited the implementation of micro hydroelectric project by the university at several villages in the interiors of Sarawak, as examples.
“I hope that this project can be continued and expanded to other areas so that it can benefit the rural communities before the electricity project is connected to those areas.
“In fact, I have instructed for special allocations to be given to UNIMAS for projects like this,” he said.
Similarly, he noted that research was also very much in line with the current needs of the state government to find the best alternative in solving the water problem in coastal areas of Sarawak.
“I hope this project can be intensified, so that it can benefit not only the local communities of Sarawak, but can be shared and commercialised internationally,” he said.
Abang Johari disclosed that the construction of the Pan Borneo Highway project from Teluk Melano to Lawas was in full swing and once completed would further boost the state’s economy.
“I am confident that this project which cost RM29 billion will have a huge impact on Sarawak especially in terms of the socioeconomic development of its people. This project will be able to attract foreign companies to invest in Sarawak which in turn will open more job opportunities.
“Another highway is being worked on in the coastal area that will connect Teluk Melano to Miri. This will of course require a lot of bridges that we have to build and it will be implemented through the state government’s own funding,” he said.
He hoped UNIMAS graduates would equip themselves with skills and knowledge to remain relevant to the rapid development taking place in Sarawak.
