RM8 mln allocated annually to boost rural development in Sarawak, says deputy minister

LIMBANG (Jan 20): The Sarawak government, through the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) and Minor Rural Project (MRP) grants, allocates about RM8 million annually to facilitate development projects for the people.

In pointing this out, State Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail hailed Sarawak as being the only state in Malaysia that implemented both the MRP and RTP, reflecting its continued commitment to developing the rural areas.

“Each assemblyman is given an annual RTP allocation of RM5 million – generally, RM25 million in one term (five years),” said the Bukit Kota assemblyman at the closing of the annual general meeting (AGM) of the Limbang branch of Malaysian Muslim Welfare Organisation (Perkim), at Dewan Kampung Bunga Raya here last Sunday.

His wife Datin Dayang Maimunah Awang Mohamad Daud, also the Perkim Limbang chief, was also present.

Adding on, Dr Abdul Rahman said various facilities had been implemented in Limbang district, including the construction of suraus, sports infrastructures and multi-purpose halls in the villages here.

“The RTP for Sarawak, introduced by former chief minister the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem and continued by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, is aimed at assisting Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) elected representatives in developing the rural areas and accelerating the state government’s efforts, so as to bridge the development gap between the urban and rural areas in Sarawak,” he added.