Federal Development Office cancels 65 projects in Betong

KUCHING: Sixty-five projects under Projek Mesra Rakyat, Penyelenggaraan Infrastruktur Awam ( PIA) and Projek Infrastruktur Asas ( PIAS) in Betong parliamentary constituency have been cancelled by the Federal Development Office .

Majority of the affected projects were supposedly to be carried out via gotong royong by the people to cut cost and foster closer relationship within the community.

The Federal Development Office in a letter dated Feb 12, 2018 issued a directive to Betong District Office to notify the approval of Projek Mesra Rakyat 2018.

In the letter, the District Officer was informed the amount approved totalled RM1,120,000 and warned that they cannot carry out other projects without prior approval.

The letter also gave a very clear instruction that all gotong-royong projects must be carried out not exceeding 14 days continuously or 14 days in maximum of three months period.

Among the affected projects in the list sighted by The Borneo Post were construction of parking lots by Parent Teachers Association ( PTA) at SK Medang, Spaoh, earthwork for longhouse in Lempaong, Spak, multipurpose store in Luing, Spak, public toilets in GrajiAtas, Padeh, gravel road in Layar, Betong, upgrading of farm road in Engkerbai Anyut, Spaoh and 47 community projects costing RM3 million under PMR and 18 projects costing RM1.1 million under PIA/PIAS.

“These projects are not mega projects, they are just small projects that are very important to the villagers. If these projects are not implemented as promised, the people will be calling the elected representative ‘ liar’,” explained Dr Richard Rapu, a political secretary to the Chief Minister.

From a list widely circulated on WhatsApp, it is understood that some 500 Projek Mesra Rakyat costing RM42 million were being cancelled throughout Sarawak.

When asked on the latest development of the projects, Dr Richard revealed that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg had approved the projects cancelled by federal government to be implemented under the state’s Rural Transformation Programme.

“For your information, all the projects will proceed. It will be funded under state RTP approved by the Chief Minister for Sarawak GPS MPs,” he said.

Dr Richard also revealed that all projects will be carried out this year.