RM2.8 million in MRP grants distributed to 160 bodies in Tarat
SERIAN: Some 160 bodies under the Tarat state constituency receive cheques amounting to more than RM2.8 million as Minor Rural Project ( MRP) grants.
The recipients included longhouse security and development committees (JKKKs), churches and nongovernmental organisations.
Tarat assemblyman Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn handed over the allocations during a ceremony at Tapah Community Hall here on Sunday.
In his remarks, Sagah called on each recipient to get their projects done with the money that they have received.
He lamented that there were a few cases where the work supposedly being done with the money never materialised.
“That is not good because the government has to do the auditing every year and if you don’t use the money and provide us with your report about how the money was used and where the money goes to, then the auditor will come after the elected representatives who approved the grant.
“This is where the opposition will take every opportunity to accuse the Barisan Nasional (BN) YBs (elected representatives) of stealing the people’s money,” he said.
Sagah, who Minister of is Assistant Native Land Development, pointed out the money was given to the various bodies or organisations to implement minor rural projects and carry out their activities — therefore, they must spend the money for the benefit of all.
He believed everyone, including the BN state assemblymen, wanted to see the government spend money wisely, but if the recipients did not do their jobs properly, then the YBs and the government of the day would be blamed.
“So don’t keep your cheque in the drawer or your money in your account, but spend it for your projects and activities,” he said.
Sagah also reminded his constituents that the MRP fund and Rural Transformation Project ( RTP) fund are not the same.
He said RTP was introduced by the previous Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem to implement priority projects in the rural areas that are worth between RM100,000 and RM500,000, adding each BN state assemblyman was allocated RM5 million a year.
“I have approved several projects to be implemented under the RTP fund last year, but the final authority for the implementation of the projects is in the hands of the State Planning Unit ( SPU) and State Implementation Monitoring Unit (SIMU).
“It has to go through the whole process to ensure that the government’s money is spent wisely.
“To those who have applied for the projects under the RTP fund through me but it has not taken off, please be patient. I believe the projects will be implemented after this,” he said.
Also present was Kuching Deputy Resident Tuah Suni, Serian District Officer Lim Hock Meng, Siburan Sarawak Administrative Officer ( SAO) Ranum Bari and Dayak Bidayuh National Association vice-president Genot Sinel@ Jeannoth Sinel.