TANJUNG MANIS: Another MP has expressed worry over the cutback in development funds, fearing it will have a severe bearing on what he can do for his constituents.
Tanjung Manis MP Yusuf Abd Wahab, while accepting the reasons given by the Prime Minister for reducing the allocation from RM3.8m to RM1.3m, is hopeful the government will review it quickly.
“I was taken aback by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement on the very significant reduction,” he said.
“I am worried the allocation will not be sufficient to respond to the applications of residents who are still affected by Covid-19.
“And to hold activities, repair buildings or infrastructure as well as other urgent needs, especially giving assistance to the low-income (B40) and medium-income (M40) groups.”
Earlier Kapit MP Alexander Nanta Linggi had expressed similar concerns over the reduced allocation.
“Although Anwar explained the government’s action was a cost-saving measure, I think it needs to be reviewed in the near future,” said Yusuf.
“This is so that we as representatives of the people can continue to help the people without having to wait for allocations from other government agencies or departments,” he pointed out.
Yusuf said given that the area he represents has many rivers and still lacks basic infrastructure such as roads and bridges, it is a challenge to reach all corners of the constituency.
“And because the villages and longhouses are scattered and far apart from each other, there are times when we have to use a chartered boat service.
“It will definitely increase the cost of travel when we go to the field to visit the area to meet the people, especially every festival season,” he added.
