S’wak Budget 2025 allocation should accelerate Kapit devt, says SUPP Kapit chief

KAPIT (Oct 19): The Budget 2025 allocation to Sarawak worth RM5.9 billion should be utilised to expedite the development of rural infrastructure in Kapit, said Ling Thian Ing.

According to the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Kapit branch chairman, there are many longhouses in his hometown that are not connected to the major roads, and the villagers still rely on river transport.

“The only federal-funded road is Jalan Simpang Bakun, while the rest of the roads are funded by the Sarawak government and local councils.

“It is hoped that the federal government also finances the road project in Kapit, unlocking the vast land in the region,” he told The Borneo Post.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who tabled Budget 2025 in Parliament yesterday, stated that the Pan Borneo Highway project should reach completion by next month.

On this, Ling expressed his doubt over the project’s completion date due to a stretch of road located in Lambir that had been redesigned due to problems with the terrain.

On another aspect, he welcomed the collaboration between the federal and Sarawak government meant to develop the Sarawak Cancer Centre.

“The cancer centre will benefit patients throughout the state, boosting the healthcare of Sarawakians suffering from the illness,” he said.

On Budget 2025’s highest allocation of RM64.1 billion to the Ministry of Education (MoE), Ling hoped that the ministry would allocate funds to carry out the repair and upgrading works on dilapidated schools in Kapit, so as to create a safe and conducive learning environment for the children.

“The high frequency of flash floods hitting SK Nanga Kain in Kapit requires urgent attention.

“We need the funds to rebuild the school, ensuring the safety of its pupils and teachers,” he said.

On the individual income tax relief for education and medical insurance premiums being raised to RM4,000, Ling opined that the amount was not enough to cover medical fees, especially after the fee hike following the Covid-19 pandemic.

As the government had announced that there would be no sales tax imposed on basic food items consumed by the people, he remarked that it was a responsible approach to tackle the high living costs.

“To put a meal on the table is a concern to a majority of the people, especially the lower income group who form the largest group in the country,” he said.