KUCHING: The 2023 State Budget will allocate RM1.12 billion to intensify infrastructure developments particularly in the rural areas to accelerate its economic growth with greater emphasis.
Finance and New Economy Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said among the major projects are the design and construction of Inner Ring Road, Kuching; construction of road from Sibu Jaya to Kong Yit Khim Road, Sibu; Jalan Pakan/Ulu Kota, Pakan, Sarikei (Phase 3) and replacement of seven temporary bridges under Phase 1 to permanent bridges; upgrading of Jalan Oya, Sibu; emergency works for damaged public infrastructure; Sg Limbang Bridge, Sg Bunut No 2 and Connecting Roads, Limbang; Rural Bridges Transformation Programme and Vehicle Yard and Associated Facilities at Senari Port.
He said this when tabling the Supply (2023) Bill, 2022 at Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Monday (Nov 21).
Abang Johari said the construction of several major infrastructure projects costing billions of ringgits are being implemented and funded under the Alternative Funding initiatives such as Coastal Road Network, Second Trunk Road, Bukit Mambong Airport and Kuching Urban Transportation System.
On expanding electricity and water supplies coverage, the state government aspires to achieve 100 percent coverage by 2030 and a sum of RM26 million will be allocated for electricity supply projects in 2023.
These projects include RM12 million for Replacement of Battery and key components for stand-alone solar system; RM8 million for Supply and Electricity to Schools yet to be connected from public grids; RM4 million for Additional Late Applicant Funds (ALAF) and RM2 million for SARES to Sarawak electricity grid.
As for water supplies, he said a sum of RM125 million will be allocated in 2023, for the implementation of water supply projects such as Serian Regional Water Supply Phase II; Raw Water Supply Betong; Construction of Sludge Treatment for Batu Kitang Plant; Construction of Salim Plant Phase III, Sibu; construction of Plant No 5 at Landeh and Storage Tank at Bukit Sipaya, Kuching; Rehabilitation of Plant No 1 at Batu Kitang, Kuching; construction of storage water tank Bukit Pancur, Serian; Pipeline extension from Old Ulu Oya to Sibu West and construction of Sibu West Storage Tank.
Apart from these projects, he said the Sarawak Water Supply Grid Programme for Stressed Areas funded via Alternative Funding initiative will continue to be intensified and a sum of RM900 million will be made available in 2023 to implement the following projects; 100 million litres mid-level and 9 million litres upper-level reservoirs at Matang Water Treatment Plant; Transmission main across Batang Sadong bridge to Simunjan, pipeline replacement, relocation and extension at Sebangan and Sebuyau and associated works; upgrading of Bayong Water Treatment Plant; Water Supply to Pulau Bruit; Kapit Water Treatment Plant Augmentation and Improvement Works; Kanowit Water Supply Phase II; Tinjar Water Supply and SAWAS Phase 2.
On developing industrial estates and business premises, he said the state government will allocate a sum of RM65 million in 2023 for the development of industrial parks in Kuching, Sibu, Sri Aman, Miri and Limbang; and Anjung Usahawan Projects in Samarahan, Betong, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Mukah, Kapit, Miri and Limbang.
Adding on, in intensifying efforts to explore mining reserves and potential Public Private Partnership (PPP) to attract private sector investment, in 2023, the state government has approved the implementation of the Formulation of State Mining Policy and Blueprint with an allocation of RM3 million and Developing Geological Mapping with an allocation of RM3 million.
