Nanta: Upper Rajang Development Agency strengthens rural communities in Song with high-impact programmes

SONG (Jan 25): The Upper Rajang Development Agency (Urda) continues to strengthen socioeconomic development of rural communities in Song District by implementing various high-impact programmes.

Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said among the initiatives was the handover of fishing equipment.

Katibas assemblyman Lidam Asaan, who is also Urda Industrial and Entrepreneurial Development Subcommittee chairman, presented the assistance in the form of boats, fishing nets, and outboard engines.

“This programme involves an allocation of RM135,000 and aims to enable recipients to engage in river fishing activities, thus increasing their household income,” Nanta said during the opening of the hall on Sunday, adding that Urda began operations in 2018.

“Although Urda has not yet reached 10 years since its establishment, it has successfully implemented various development programmes in line with other development agencies such as the Highland Development Agency (HDA) and Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA).”

He said Urda has been allocated RM1.5 billion to implement development projects within its area over four to five years.

“A large portion of the allocation has already been utilised, while the remainder is still under implementation, particularly involving public infrastructure projects such as the construction of roads and bridges,” he said.

At the initial stage, he said Urda focused on the development of basic infrastructure, especially road access to villages that previously had no road connectivity.

“Although there are still several projects that have yet to be fully completed due to contractor-related issues, overall the progress of development implementation has been encouraging,” he said.

Nanta added Urda has also implemented various small-scale socioeconomic programmes involving sectors such as river fishing, agriculture, swiftlet farming, and stingless bee honey production.

“The initial results have shown positive effectiveness, and therefore the scope and coverage of these programmes will be expanded.

“In addition, Urda also intends to apply science and technology in the implementation of socioeconomic programmes through collaboration with institutions of higher learning, as well as planning a working visit to China in 2026 to observe and learn best practices that can be adopted,” he said.

On the new multipurpose hall, Nanta said it can be utilised for various activities including sports, community gatherings, festivals, and cultural programmes.

He also suggested the hall could be used as a market for the local community, thus increasing their incomes.