SARAWAK, with its vast geographical landscape, requires substantial investments particularly for funding of its public infrastructure and utilities to ensure it achieves balanced development across urban and rural areas.
Deputy Premier, and Second Finance and New Economy Minister, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said during the 12th Malaysia Plan’s (12MP) Mid-Term Review, the ceiling has been increased to RM38 billion to fund 1,412 projects.
“The increased ceiling allows for the implementation of many more strategic development projects aimed at addressing critical infrastructure gaps and accelerating economic growth throughout Sarawak,”he said.
Uggah said this during his ministerial winding-up-speech, Wednesday (Nov 20).
According to him, of the 1,412 projects, 1,006 or 71 per cent are physical projects, while the remaining 406 or 29 percent are non-physical projects.
“The non-physical projects include grants, contributions, investments, activities, and events.”
He added that to date, 250 physical projects have been completed, with the remaining 756 projects are at various stages of implementation.
“Cumulatively, RM23 billion of the total Sarawak’s 12MP ceiling has been spent. The expenditure is expected to increase further as the ongoing project activities continue progressing.
“We will continue to implement Projek Rakyat which focuses on people-centric projects that have a high impact on the livelihood of the people.
“These projects are very close to the heart of the local communities and cater to their needs particularly public facilities, mobility and connectivity, and other social amenities.”
He pointed out that to date, the number of approved projects is 712 with a total cost of RM9.5 billion, and out of this, 234 projects have been completed while the remaining 478 projects are under various stages of implementation.
“Among the completed projects are upgrading of five critical roundabouts in Samarahan, Sarawak Reef Ball Project Phase 1, Construction of Sarawak Farmers Organisation building, Flood mitigation project and drainage at Taman Ecopark, Miri,
“Apart from that is Marudi Bridge Over Batang Baram, upgrading of Sungai Limbang Waterfront Phase, Kampung Sundar Extension Phase 2, Lawas, upgrading of roads and drainage and residential lots at Igan Village Extension Scheme, Mukah; and development of Peace Park, Sri Aman.
“In 2025, more projects are expected to be completed and among the projects are as follows village Extension Scheme at Jelutong, Jepak; Construction of roads at Kampung Medong/ Lebrasau/ Kampung Klid, Dalat, Mukah; Relocation and reconstruction of SK Pulo, Kuching; and village Extension Scheme at Kampung Hulu Kabong, Betong.”
He added that the government will also continue to implement new projects which include among others as follows Tar Sealing of Ulu Tinjar Road (from Pekan Lapok to Kampung Long Tisam); Development of Public Facilities at Integrated Administrative Centre Mulu, Miri; Sarawak Digital Innovation Ecosystem; Tar Sealing of Long Teran Kanan Road and construction of Bridge Crossing Sungai Tinjar to Long Teran Batu.
Apart from that, he said it included the Long Teran Kiri; Dedicated Pipeline from Berawan Reservoir to Lubok Tuan Booster Station, Limbang; Integrated Village Extension Scheme at Matang Batu 10, Gita and Sungai Maong, Phase 1, Kuching; and construction of Penakub Ulu Bridge, Mukah.
On the performance of federal funded projects, he said for the 2024 Fourth Rolling Plan, a total allocation of RM5.8 billion has been approved for the implementation of 1,124 projects.
“Thus far, RM3.16 billion has been spent, accounting for 54 per cent of the total allocation. In terms of physical progress, 249 projects have been completed, while the remaining projects are at various stages of implementation.”
