SIMUNJAN: Priority areas have been identified for the federal government allocation of over RM1 billion in development funding.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the allocation is not only directed towards Sarawak but also extends to Sabah, with the primary aim of facilitating border area development.
The focus, he said, particularly lies in enhancing infrastructure for Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complexes, with priority areas identified within Sarawak, including Tebedu-Entikong and Ba’kelalan-Long Midang.
“This allocation has been strategically designed to serve multiple purposes. First and foremost, it addresses security concerns, ensuring the safety of our borders.
“Secondly, it is geared towards bolstering development in border regions. And thirdly, we aim to streamline border trade between Malaysia and Indonesia.
“While we have identified several priorities, we hope that in the future, even higher allocations will be granted to further modernise and construct ICQS facilities,” he said to reporters after officiating at the Simunjan Festival 2023 on Sunday (Sept 17).
His statement comes on the heels of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement on Saturday (Sept 16), in which he revealed the federal government’s commitment to allocate additional funds exceeding RM1 billion for border infrastructure development in both states.
Awang Tengah who is also Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment also emphasised the government’s desire to invest in road infrastructure and bolster border security, with many of these plans already in the pipeline.
He expressed hope that these projects will continue to progress and be executed successfully.
Meanwhile, he emphasised the significance of the Simunjan Festival 2023 in upholding the identity of Simunjan and ensuring its relevance in the eyes of the public.
He asserted that the festival also encouraged local residents to actively participate in driving the growth of Simunjan district.
“I believe the opportunities and platforms provided during the eight-day Simunjan Festival can generate positive economic returns and a return on investment (ROI).
“This extends benefits not only to entrepreneurs but also to the local population in Simunjan, including homestay operators, small businesses, service providers, and others,” he said.
Awang Tengah also commended the festival’s programme, “Simunjan Kitchen,” which featured participation from local businesses.
He stressed the importance of Simunjan Kitchen in supporting local entrepreneurs, particularly in Simunjan district, aligning with the core function of the ministry, which is to develop the capacity and capabilities of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs.
“I hope that the initiatives taken through the organisation of the Simunjan Festival can be fully utilised by the residents of Simunjan, serving as a platform for sustainable development at the district-level,” he said.
