Ministry to continue drive for best utility, telco services

KUCHING: A total of 59 programmes and activities will be carried out by the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication this year.

Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said these programmes will enhance the ministry’s drive to provide the best utility and telecommunication services for Sarawak in the near future.

This is in line with the requirements of Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS2030) and Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint, he said.

“I hope that this year, the agencies and departments under the ministry will continue to contribute in making sure our plan goes smoothly.

“This is because in 2023, we achieved quite a lot and it is all thanks to the hard work shown by all of you,” he said during the launching of the Ministry’s Annual Plan 2024 here on Tuesday (Jan 30).

In the meantime, permanent secretary Jafri Alias said the implementation of development projects, including electricity, water, and telecommunications, aims for greater efficiency to avoid delayed projects and ensure adherence to set timelines.

“The ministry will prioritise development expenditure … the low development expenditure this year is due to issues related to land, permits, loans, and insufficient attention to resolve these issues and therefore, the ministry will emphasise this aspect,” he said.

Jafri added that the next focus is the implementation of new policies and initiatives following amendments to the electricity supply and gas distribution ordinances.