KUCHING: The Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) celebrated its 25th anniversary on Friday (Aug 27), aiming to do more for the local community despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
MPP chairman Lo Khere Chiang said he was confident that together with his fellow councillors, support from staff, government departments, community leaders and the public, among others, MPP would bring more development to the areas under its jurisdiction.
He was speaking via Zoom application and streamed live on MPP’s Facebook page on Friday.
“As of Jan 1, there are 73,117 properties under MPP’s jurisdiction and residential properties make up 91 percent.
“From 2017 to 2021, the development rate of properties is about 3.5 per cent per annum or approximately 2,300 new properties a year.
“Our projection is that there will be at least 75,500 properties by the end of this year,” Lo explained.
In the past 20 years, towns and bazaars under MPP have also experienced rapid development – from 20,984 in 1996 to 73,117 as of Jan 1 this year.
“Apart from that, MPP has to accelerate the provision and maintenance of infrastructure in tandem with the expectations of the people to achieve a sustainable Padawan municipality.”
Under the 11th Malaysia Plan (RMK11), MPP implemented 375 projects totalling RM82.8mil.
“This year, MPP has been tasked to implement 135 development projects amounting to RM14.91mil.
“For state-funded projects, 80 projects for RTP amounting to RM12mil, two projects under Projek Rakyat amounting to RM1.15mil and 53 projects under federal funding amounting to RM1.76mil.
“In addition, under RMK12, 15 projects have been approved worth RM15mil and will commence next year until 2025.”
Despite the ongoing pandemic and new norm restrictions, Lo said MPP would continue to ensure that all approved development projects that had been delayed would take off.
He also mentioned the importance of parks and recreational areas as green space for the community, equipped with jogging or walking tracks and playground equipment for children.
MPP also obtained a federal grant to help repair 40 houses for the poor this year.
Also in attendance were Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Assistant Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, the ministry’s permanent secretary Datuk Antonio Kahti Galis, MPP deputy chairman Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim and MPP secretary Elizabeth Loh.
