RM85.3 mln for industrial estates

KUCHING: The Sarawak government will continue to build infrastructure suitable for industries in line with the state’s industrialisation programme.

As such, a sum of RM85.3 million is proposed for the establishment and completion of various industrial estates, namely Demak Laut Industrial Park; Sematan Industrial Estates; Sri Aman Industrial Estates; Bau Industrial Estates; and Rantau Panjang Industrial Estates, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

In addition, he said the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will remain a priority so as to achieve a more inclusive and balanced growth, for which a sum of RM18.4 million is proposed for the implementation of various entrepreneurship programmes and projects for SMEs, which include Samalaju SME Cluster and Anjung Usahawan in Lawas, Sundar, Trusan and Gedong.

He also said the state government would continue to build quality and more affordable houses, targeting at the lower income group.

For 2019, a sum of RM141 million is proposed for housing development including financing of new and on-going construction of 1,827 units of affordable houses under Rumah Mampu Milik (RMM) and Rumah Spektra Permata (RSP), he added.

Under RMM, affordable houses will be built in Darul Hana in Kuching; Ranggau, Limbang; Kampung Datu Baru, Sibu; Kampung Bunga Rampai, Bau; Beratok, Serian; Kampung Tabuan Melayu and Kampung Tabuan Foochow in Kuching; and Kampung Kapit Baru in Kapit.

Five locations have been identified for the construction of affordable houses under RSP at Kemuyang, Sibu; Lundu; Igan, Mukah; Tian Matu, Mukah; and Sematan.

The 2019 State Budget also proposes to allocate a sum of RM270 million for the redevelopment of traditional villages which include Darul Hana Redevelopment Project; Kampung Redevelopment for Tabuan Melayu and Tabuan Foochow; Kampung Sejingkat Redevelopment; Projek Penempatan Kampung Sungai Bedaun, Kuching; Sandfilling and Infrastructure Works at Kemuyang, Sibu; and Kampung Kapit Baru Redevelopment Project, Kapit.

A further sum of RM63.4 million will also be set aside for the implementation of 25 kampung extension or residential schemes throughout the state through provision of residential lots complete with the necessary infrastructures and utilities to raise the living standard of the rural community.

The Chief Minister further said the 2019 State Budget also proposed to allocate RM120 million for the construction and renovation of government offices and quarters so as to provide conducive working environment for civil servants.

“A conducive working environment will enhance productivity and government service delivery,” he said.