Open infrastructure development worth billions of ringgit

MUKAH, 2 Oct: Development of infrastructure and basic facilities continues to be a priority for the government in the Muqah Division with various projects worth billions of ringgit being implemented.

Deputy Minister in Sarawak's Premier Department (Corporate Affairs, Explanation and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, said the vast area as well as the overlapping settlements make the development of basic infrastructure essential to ensure that the needs of the communities in those parts can be met.

He said the Mukah Division has an area of about 7,000 square kilometers with most settlements in rural areas.

"So, the development of infrastructure and basic facilities is a priority for people in Mukah.

"Over the past five years, a total of 78 people's projects involving various public facilities and basic infrastructure have been implemented in Bukah Division with an overall value of about RM1.3 billion", he said.

He was speaking at the Community Meal Meeting that premier Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg completed here tonight.

Abdullah further said that the amount was not included in projects under RTP, Small Rural Projects (MRP), as well as development of water supply, electricity and transportation which are also being implemented in Oaxaca.

He said the development of roads was also taken into consideration, including construction and upgrading of connecting roads in the respective parts.

"For water supply projects in the Open Division for the period 2018 to 2026, a total of 68 projects were implemented with an allocation of about RM2.1 billion.

"All these figures are not just numbers on paper, but each project benefits the people, including providing better roads and improving connections between villages and urban areas", he said.

According to him, a total of 1,338 projects were also implemented through RTP in Bukah Division with an estimated value of RM55 million.

He said basic facilities such as water supply, electricity and telecommunications will continue to be taken into consideration, especially to meet the needs of the communities in the rural areas.