BAU: The Sarawak government has agreed to a proposal for the setting up of a development agency for Greater Kuching.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the proposed agency to be called ‘Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA)’ will focus on and coordinate the developments in Greater Kuching area (from outside Kuching to Serian).
“I acknowledge the support of the Bidayuhs. Your (Bidayuh) representatives have raised the matter in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting asking for a special way to develop the Bidayuh areas.
“Therefore, today, I want to announce that we are going to set up the GKCDA,” he said when attending the Bau Gawai Open House 2022 at Dewan Suarah Bau here today.
Abang Johari mentioned that a study would be carried out on the operation of the agency, and he will discuss with Bidayuh leaders to come up with a framework.
“Sarawak is huge, almost as big as the Peninsula which has many states, we don’t have states in the region of Sarawak.
“That is why we set up agencies including the new agency to coordinate and focus on the development in the particular area,” he said.
Later, when met by reporters after the event, Abang Johari said the Bidayuh elected representatives had requested for a body to be set up to coordinate all the developments that have been approved in their respective areas.
“The idea is this, when we give them the development grants, they can coordinate the implementation of the projects. And if a problem arises, they can discuss and solve it among themselves.
“The model of the GKCDA is similar to the Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA). It’s not a formal statutory body, it is just an agency that coordinates all the development projects that we have approved in this area,” said Abang Johari.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Marine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, who is also the Tasik Biru assemblyman, said he welcomed the announcement by the Premier on the establishment of GKCDA.
“The GKCDA will cover (development) from Lundu to Serian, including the eight Bidayuh-held constituencies.
“The agency will discuss and look into what needs to be done. Without such an agency, we would not have any platform to monitor implementation of the projects.
“Hence, with this agency, we have a platform which will ensure the implementation of projects runs smoothly,” he said. He also stressed that with the establishment of GKCDA, it would not only benefit the Bidayuhs, but all races living in the areas concerned.
