DUN Sarawak: Accelerated infrastructure development in Baleh

KUCHING, 15 Oct: The Government of Sarawak is urged to accelerate the development of infrastructure and basic facilities in Baleh area to ensure that rural people also enjoy the benefits of state economic growth through Sarawak Budget 2027.

The Eleventh Assembly Member (ADUN), Nicholas Kudi, said that the Sarawak Budget 2027 which projects the state revenue of RM15.091 billion provides space for the government to strengthen infrastructure development, education, health and welfare of the people.

He said that development success should not be measured solely on the basis of state income, budget surplus or mega project value, but also taking into account people's access to basic facilities and equal development opportunities.

"Development success is not only measured on the basis of state income figures, budget surpluses or mega project values, but also when people in rural areas enjoy basic amenities and opportunities like those in cities", he said.

He said this while discussing Sarawak Budget 2027 at the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Conference today.

Meanwhile, Nicholas stressed the importance of ensuring that the benefits of the Eleven Hydroelectric Project with a capacity of 1,285 MW are also enjoyed by local communities through employment provision, skills training and participation of local contractors.

He also called for accelerating the process of measurement and production of land grants of Bumiputera Customs Rights (NCR), as well as strengthening support to smallholder farmers and land-based economic development.

In order to increase access to health and safety services, he asked the government to consider construction of new polyclinic in Tunoh, Bukit Mabong District as well as assess the need for building police and bombing stations in rural areas.

Nicholas also stressed the need to improve road network, clean water supply, electricity supply and telecommunications coverage including addressing disruptions in electricity supply as well as poor internet access in some locations.

He hoped that the Sarawak Budget 2027 allocation could be translated into implementation of projects that meet the real needs of the population especially long-term housing communities and people living in remote areas.

"I am confident that with Sarawak's increasingly strong financial position and orderly development planning, the Baleh area will continue to be developed in stages and will not fall behind in the state's progress stream", he said.