LINGGA: The Sarawak government has a comprehensive long-term plan to develop Lingga and Sri Aman through the Sri Aman Development Agency (SADA).
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Lingga which is part of Sri Aman has great potential in two sectors namely agriculture and tourism.
To develop these two sectors, he said, it requires high-value infrastructure such as the Batang Lupar Bridge which costs RM1 billion, in addition to small bridges including road development.
“Despite the huge expenditure, Sarawak is able to bring development in this area especially if it can cooperate with the federal government.
“Through such collaboration, Sarawak could request for federal projects like a bridge because we have 22 months of experience where projects were canceled and we used our own funds,” he said in a press conference after officiating at the Sarawakku Sayang programme at Dataran Pekan Lingga, yesterday.
Earlier in his speech, Abang Johari who is also the Gabungan Parti Sarawak chairman said that Sarawak’s future is bright under GPS.
On Lingga district, Abang Johari said various initiatives are being implemented so that the policy that Sarawak strives for is achieved, which is to bridge the relationship between the people and implement projects that the people want.
“Taking one example of development in this district, we (GPS) have taken over from the federal government to build a school in Lingga.
“The federal government should have developed it but Sarawak was not given the allocation. Therefore GPS took over this project because we want the children to receive proper education and study in a good infrastructure.”
He reminded the people to protect the rights of Sarawak as a priority and further play a role in the development of Malaysia.
Also present were Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Lingga assemblywoman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor and GPS Batang Lupar candidate Mohamad Shafizan Kepli.
At the event, Abang Johari presented a cheque for RM500,000 from the Sarawak government to the Chung Hua Lingga School Committee.
