Ensuring all benefit from vital services

THE Sarawak government is determined to continue investing in a range of initiatives to ensure that those in the rural areas also benefit from the provision of vital services.

In this regard, a sum of RM6.049 billion has been proposed in the 2019 State Budget to hasten the pace of rural development, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Out of that amount, RM2.350 billion will be set aside for the implementation of walkabout projects worth RM1.535 billion, RM500 million for Rural Transformation Projects ( RTP), RM243 million for Minor Rural Projects and RM72 million for ‘Program Penambahbaikan Rumah Miskin Sarawak’ (PPRMS), the Chief Minister revealed.

“The state is investing in more infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges and jetties to further improve its connectivity. For this purpose, a sum of RM1.105 billion will be allocated for the implementation of these projects,” said Abang Johari, when tabling the State Budget 2019 during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting yesterday.

He also revealed 19 infrastructure projects to be implemented next year - Jalan Sg Bidut/Kpg Tutus/Kpg Sebedil/Kpg Bungan Kecil; road from Sibu Jaya to Jalan Kong Yit Khim; construction of Pasai Siong Hilir Road; Jalan Ulu Tubai heading to Mentawai/Gunung Buda; construction of road from Marudi to Mulu via Long Terawan; Jalan Ulu Tubai heading to Mentawai/Gunung Buda; Jalan Pakan, Ulu Julau, Ulu Kota Pakan (Phase II); Jalan Nanga Menuan/ Nanga Setepus; upgrading and rehabilitation of Belaga to Menjawah road; Jalan Baru Tatau to Kuala Tatau; Jalan Kampung Sebauh to Jalan Sebauh Hilir; Jalan Kampung Igan to Rumah Panjang Sungai Ilas and Kampung Sah, Kebauw, Batang Igan; Jalan Rantau Panjang/Rassau at Batang Igan Fasa 1; Jalan Ijok/Teguyo/Lempaong/Batu Pesok/Rantau Layang; Nanga Kesit – Ulu Lemanak – Engkari road, Lubok Antu; Jalan Kpg Tuie/Kpg Suri; Sg Limbang Bridge, Sg Bunut No.2 Bridge and connecting roads; construction of Jambatan Long Lama, Batang Baram; Balance Cantilever Bridge over Batang Kemena at Sebauh; and Marudi Bridge over Batang Baram.

“In addition, the state will also build four more bridges for the benefit of our people, namely Muara Lassa Bridge in Mukah, Batang Rambungan Bridge in Lundu, Bintulu-Jepak Bridge crossing Kuala Kemena in Bintulu, and Batang Lupar Bridge in Samarahan/Betong,” he disclosed.