A TOTAL of RM93.77 million, or 12 per cent of RM795.71 million approved for the implementation of land and riverine infrastructure, government and public buildings projects this year has been utilised as of April this year.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the Sarawak government is expected to utilise RM2.2 billion this year through alternative funding for various programmes such as the Coastal Road, Second Trunk Road, Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA), Sri Aman Development Agency (SADA) and others.
“Greater efforts, with close monitoring on the part of the implementing agencies will ensure the 12th Malaysia Plan projects with approved budget allocation are being implemented on schedule.
“We anticipate that with further improvement of the physical performance of on-going projects, we will succeed in implementing and utilising this year’s budgeted allocation effectively.
“Therefore, all projects must be implemented as scheduled to spur Sarawak’s economic growth and to uplift the living standard of the rakyat,” he said in his ministerial winding up speech on Wednesday at the state legislative assembly.“Whether it is roads, bridges, buildings, wharves, airports or ports, inf
rastructure lays the foundation for sustainable economic and social growth that will improve the livelihood of the rakyat,” he said.
He added that basic infrastructure, one of the key enablers under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, plays a crucial role particularly in the development of rural areas.
“Over the years, greater efforts have been made by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government to intensify the improvement of road infrastructure in enhancing rural connectivity.
“Our commitment to improve accessibility is not mere rhetoric but is evident through the massive roll-out of numerous road projects such as the Coastal Road Network valued at RM4.0 billion, Second Trunk Road valued at RM4.6 billion, Projek Rakyat valued at RM9.06 million and all projects under various Regional Development Agencies, each allocated with RM1.5 billion for infrastructure development,” he added.
