TATAU, Bintulu: The Sarawak state government will change its Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) policy to make it more rural development-oriented.
With the policy change, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said special funds could be channelled to BDA to prioritise development of rural areas under its jurisdiction.
“I acknowledge the restructuring of this area (Tatau)’s development including Tamin. We will provide special funds through BDA. Maybe I will make a slight change on the mechanism in developing the area,” said Abang Johari who is also BDA Board of Directors chairman.
He said this while launching the Tatau-Kuala Tatau Road development project and upgrading of Kelebu Road to Rumah Ado, at Dewan Sukan Rakyat here yesterday.
The chief minister was responding to the request by Kakus assemblyman Datuk John Sikie Tayai for the state government to set up a special body to boost and coordinate the development of state constituencies, Tamin and Kakus.
Abang Johari said the state government would also develop the RM62 million water treatment plant in Stapang town.
Doing so meant the state government is taking over another federal government project which had been approved during the Barisan Nasional era but neglected following the change of government after the 14th general election, he said.
He pledged to upgrade abandoned logging tracks in the two constituencies that the rural folk regularly used, to reach nearby towns.
The chief minister also approved the construction of Tebingan Sungai Tatau which is expected to alter the landscape of Tatau town and act as a development catalyst including for tourism.
Meanwhile, he denied that the state was being ruled by one ethnic group, asserting that every decision by the state government was made collectively.
“Although I am chief minister, I refer to the Cabinet comprising ministers of different ethnic groups, when making decisions,” he said. – Bernama
