Special agency proposed to speed up RTP projects

A DEDICATED agency should be considered to oversee the implementation of Rural Transformation Projects (RTP) in Sarawak and reduce delays caused by overlapping bureaucracy.

Stakan assemblyman, Datuk Hamzah Brahim said the proposed agency could streamline project management and ensure development allocations under Budget 2027 deliver maximum benefits to communities.

“This dedicated agency would be given a specific mandate to manage the entire project cycle, from tender processes and site handovers to close on-site monitoring, to eliminate overlapping bureaucracy, shorten project completion times and ensure value for money,” he said.

Hamzah said this when debating in support of the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026 at the august House here today.

On the same note, Hamzah also proposed making technology transfer and local vendor development mandatory requirements for every new foreign investment project in Sarawak.

He said the measure would enable local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and Sarawak-owned businesses to participate directly in the supply chains of major industries.

“This comes as Sarawak continues to attract substantial foreign direct investment (FDI),” he added.

On human capital development, Hamzah proposed introducing accredited training and certification programmes for carbon auditors and environmental, social and governance (ESG) specialists.

He said local institutions such as the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) could offer such programmes to prepare young Sarawakians for emerging opportunities in the green economy and carbon trading sectors.

“The initiative would equip young people with specialised skills to secure high-income employment in these growing industries,” he said.