KUCHING: It is hoped that Sarawak will receive a substantial allocation from the RM1.5 billion provided under the national 2022 Budget for the development of rural infrastructure in Sabah and Sarawak.
In saying this, Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom hoped that substantial allocations would also be provided to Sarawak in future so that the state would be able to achieve its target of full coverage of water and electricity supply.
“This amount from the federal allocation for 2022 will not be adequate to meet our aspiration for full coverage (of water and electricity supply),” he said in a statement.
He explained that for Sarawak to achieve the target of 100 percent coverage of water supply, the state would need about RM4.16 billion over the next five years to increase coverage of water supply, averaging about RM832 million annually.
“As of now, out of the RM4.16 billion, only a total of RM316.5 million is approved in the first rolling plan over the two years of 2021 and 2022.
“This is equivalent to an average of RM158 million per year which is well short of the required RM832 million per year, while electricity requires about RM2 billion over the next five years, averaging RM400 million annually to achieve full coverage of reliable electricity,” he said.
Dr Rundi noted that under the 2022 Budget, out of an estimated RM2.5 billion for rural infrastructure nationwide, RM1.5 billion was allocated to Sarawak and Sabah for rural roads, water, and electricity.
“The provision provided for rural infrastructure will benefit our rural communities,” he said.
He said also announced was the allocation for RM200 million for the transportation and distribution of the necessities including LPG and petrol for the rural areas specifically in Sabah and Sarawak.
“We hope that Sarawak will be given a substantial share of this allocation due to our vast and challenging geographical areas,” he said.
