All announced mega projects to be carried out as long as GPS rules
BETONG: Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has taken his detractors to task for accusing him of merely paying lip service when he announced mega development projects.
Saying they were not just hot air, the Chief Minister said it took time for the projects to come to fruition as there were certain procedures that had to be followed.
“We need at least one or two years from preparing to tendering to awarding the tenders before the actual implementation can be carried out. I hope the people would bear with us,” he said at an all-community dinner here on Monday night in honour of his visit to Betong Division.
Abang Johari said the proposed airport here and the electric bus project in Kuching were among those that had been questioned by certain quarters.
“But then we have just launched the electric bus for Kuching and we planned to get a few more plus the hydrogen type. Some people were doubtful but the bus is there now,” he said.
“We have also placed an order for a Cessna transport aeroplane which can carry three containers to be used at the proposed Betong Airport.”
He revealed that RM101 million had been set aside for the development of the airport.
“As long as the GPS government rules the state, all announced projects will be carried out,” he said.
In fact, according to him, some RM650.3 million worth of development projects have been approved for Betong Division in the last two years.
These included RM199.5 million for roads and RM102.4 million for water supply projects.
“Some of these projects had or are currently being or will be implemented when the time comes,” he said.
Abang Johari also announced new projects worth RM33mil during the dinner. They include RM18.5mil for roads and RM10mil for Betong town flood mitigation projects.
He said these projects were vital as the division had great potential for modern agriculture.
Later, Abang Johari presented letters of appointment to new community leaders who included Temenggong Richard Mulok Entring for the Iban community and Temenggong Piee Alwi for the Malay community.
In his speech earlier, Abang Johari’s deputy Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah hoped the government would consider helping to develop tourism in Betong.
“We have Bukit Sadok which was the last bastion for Dayak Iban nationalist warrior Rentap in his fight against the White Rajah.
“This is of great historic importance to us besides its scenic and pristine surroundings,” he said.
He drew attention to the fact that with the coastal trunk road expected to pass through Betong town, Bukit Sadok could be a special attraction to visitors.
Uggah who is also Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Minister could consider appointing more community leaders to serve the fast-growing population.
On the growing population, he pointed out that more affordable housing projects would be needed.
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Public Utilities Minister Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Layar assemblyman Gerald Rentap Jabu and State Secretary Tan Sri Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani were among those present at the dinner.
