BY ARIANA FIDELIA
MIRI: The Sarawak government has allocated RM1.5bil to the Highland Development Agency (HDA) to undertake high-impact infrastructure projects in areas such as Bario, Mulu, and Long Lama. These projects will cover a total area of 18,463 square kilometres.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also the chairman of HDA, said that this initiative demonstrates the government’s focus on people-oriented project implementation. The aim is to bring substantial progress, particularly in enhancing the living standards of the residents by creating job and business opportunities.
“Under the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda), the government is currently executing 50 projects in the HDA area.
“In the Long Lama region, one project has been completed, three are under construction, three are in the detailed design stage, and one is in the contract completion phase,” he said during the presentation of aid to B40 students at SJKC Kee Tee, Long Lama on Friday (Aug 25).
“The planned infrastructure projects are expected to be completed within the next two to three years. These projects will serve as a foundation for HDA to implement various socioeconomic programmes aimed at improving the income and livelihood of rural communities. Additionally, these projects will enhance the area’s capacity to attract more investments.”
Uggah pointed out the significance of education in national and Sarawak’s socioeconomic development. Therefore, HDA has established a new subcommittee called the Education, Health, and Safety Sub-Committee, chaired by Baram MP Datuk Anyie Ngau.
This committee will collaborate with education-related departments to identify issues, find solutions, and expedite socioeconomic development programmes in the HDA area.
The educational aid programme for B40 students has been implemented in the HDA area to assist B40 students by providing essential school equipment.
“This assistance aims to alleviate the burden on these students and enable them to focus on acquiring knowledge.
“The government’s commitment to building a progressive and competitive society is reflected in this contribution, which showcases its genuine concern for the welfare of its citizens.”
