4,778 rural projects completed

The Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government has successfully completed 4,778 Rural Transformation Projects (RTP) in the state.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian said that these completed projects represent 87 per cent of the total approved projects under various local authorities.

“RTP, spearheaded by the state government, plays a pivotal role in rejuvenating rural regions by enhancing infrastructure and public facilities for the benefit of the people.

“Over the span of 2015 to 2023, the government has approved 5,499 projects as part of the RTP, allocating a total of RM912.67 million to my Ministry,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Tuesday.

Dr. Sim also noted that under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), the ministry was allocated a ceiling of RM489.95 million for various projects implemented by 24 local authorities.

“As of April 30 this year, RM207.66 million (42.38 per cent) of the approved allocation has been disbursed for various infrastructure projects such as roads and drainage improvements, waterfront enhancements, market upgrades, provision of street lighting, traffic lights, public toilets, libraries, town beautification and rural amenities.

“All of these projects are at various stages of implementation by the respective local authorities,” he said.

Regarding the People’s Project (Projek Rakyat), Dr. Sim said that from July 2018 until 2024, the state government has approved 372 projects with a total allocation of RM2.31 billion for the Ministry.

“These projects are implemented by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), Public Works Department (PWD), Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA), and local authorities.

“For this year alone, 10 projects have been approved with an allocation of RM68.1 million. To date, 227 projects have been completed, while the remaining 145 are at various stages of implementation.

“This year, my Ministry has received approval for a total of RM274.99 million under the Malaysian Road Record Information System (MARRIS) to maintain council roads, including road furniture, shoulders, roadside drains, and related components across local authorities’ jurisdiction areas. As of April 30, RM99.35 million had been disbursed to the local authorities,” he added.