RM100mil fund released to Sarawak for school and clinic upgrades

KUCHING: The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has confirmed that the RM100 million funding, previously promised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has been channelled to the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak.

The funding will be used for repairing and upgrading dilapidated schools and clinics.

Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen said he had made a direct enquiry with the MOF on the disbursement of the fund and last week spoke in Parliament on the matter.

“Finally, the MOF has confirmed that the fund has been paid into the account of Sarawak JKR.

“RM50 million will be used to repair dilapidated schools and RM50 million for the upgrade of dilapidated clinics,” he said in a statement.

Chong, who is also the Sraawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman, added that there are procedures involved in the disbursement of federal funds to state agencies, as such it will take some time to carry out such process after the announcement by the Prime Minister.

“I am glad that the fund was disbursed within one month from the date of the Prime Minister’s announcement.

“As the federal government has since last year devolved the authority for the implementation of projects at RM50 million or below to Sarawak JKR, it is now in their hands to implement the repair and upgrading works on the identified schools and clinics.

“As such, I urge Sarawak JKR to quickly implement the projects,” he said.

In the spirit of transparency, he also urged that Sarawak JKR to make public the details of the projects identified, namely the names of the schools and clinics for the repair and upgrading work to be carried out under the said allocation, the specific estimated costs for the respective schools and clinics, the scope of work involved for each respective school and clinic involved, and the procurement of equipment involved.

“Sarawak DAP and I will continue to play our role as part of the federal government to fight for the interest of Sarawak and Sarawakians.

“We will try our best to facilitate between the federal government and the state agencies to ensure a smooth implementation of federal projects in Sarawak,” said Chong.