KUCHING: Sarawak’s development fund is primarily aimed at improving rural areas to boost overall economic development, according to the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Women chief Kho Teck Wan.
She responded to accusations made by Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen, who claimed that Batu Kawa was not getting a fair share of the budget.
Kho criticised Chong for focusing on politics and polarisation instead of prioritising rural infrastructure development to combat poverty, as demonstrated by China’s success.
Comparing China’s approach, she highlighted President Xi Jinping’s efforts to develop rural areas as part of their fight against poverty.
“The Prime Minister and Sarawak government agree with President Xi. Both their budgets for Sarawak prioritise rural and transportation projects as well,” said Kho in a recent statement.
This year, the development fund was budgeted at RM6.8 billion, with a significant portion allocated to the construction of the Coastal Road Network and Second Trunk Road, costing RM11 billion over five years.
While these projects may receive more budget allocation, people living outside these areas can still benefit from the overall development.
Similarly, in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s 2023 budget, RM1 billion was allocated to border protection and transportation development plan, which constitutes about 20% of the overall budget for Sarawak.
“Once again, while the budget will be allocated to border areas, the infrastructures will protect all Sarawakians,” she added.
