Kalaka to benefit from RM6m projects

SARATOK: High-impact projects worth more than RM6 million will be implemented in Kampung Kupang in an effort to improve the socio-economic status of residents there.

Kalaka assemblyman Mohamad Duri hoped the projects under the Betong Divisional Development Agency (BDDA) will be implemented this year.

“We will continue improving the drainage system (including) building new sluices in the Kupang area worth RM4 million under the BDDA in the first phase of development,” he said.

He said this after the Sri Aman Zone Fire Safety Awareness Programme of the Fire and Rescue Department in Kampung Kupang, yesterday.

MOHAMAD DURI performed a symbolic presentation of the donation of fire extinguishers to Aris at the same event.

Among other things, he said through the Ministry of Economy, the village has received an allocation of RM1 million to implement two projects, namely upgrading agricultural roads in Scheme C and the drainage system in Kampung Hulu Kupang.

“We were also helped through a project under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) amounting to RM250,000 to upgrade ditches,” he said.

In addition, Mohamad added that an application had been made through the Saratok Islamic Welfare Board (LAKIS) to the state government for mosques and suraus.

“We propose to build a new Kampung Kupang Mosque at an estimated cost of RM7 million.

“Similarly, the new construction of the Kampung Hulu Surau (RM800,000) and the upgrading of the Kampung Hilir Surau using an allocation of approximately RM400,000,” he said.

As for the second phase of development under the BDDA, he said this included a project to build agricultural road infrastructure to rice-growing areas worth RM1 million.

“I hope that with the Sarawak government’s budget of RM12.363 billion this year, more projects can be brought to the countryside including the villages in Kalaka,” he stressed.

At the same ceremony, Mohamad approved RM20,000 to the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) of SK Kampung Kupang in addition to the approval of a RTP project worth RM300,000 to upgrade the field and build a walkway to the preschool classroom.

SK Kampung Kupang headmaster Maseri Matnor, Saratok Fire and Rescue chief Putra Ila, Kampung Kupang Penghulu Aris were also present.