BY NATHANIEL YU
SARAWAK has a large geographical area and it undoubtedly poses a huge challenge in terms of developing especially its remote areas.
However, this has not stop the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government from ensuring that development is properly planned and implemented across the state.
In efforts to spur infrastructure and socio-economic development in the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) region, three regional development agencies were set up by the state government to implement projects to uplift remote rural areas.
The agencies are the Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA) and the Highland Development Agency (HDA) which were set up in 2017 followed by the setting up of Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA) in 2018.
URDA covers the areas of Kapit, Kanowit, Song, Belaga and Bukit Mabong, while HDA covers the areas of Bario, Mulu and Long Lama. NRDA covers the areas of Limbang and Lawas.
In 2019, the Sarawak government set up the Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA) to strategise the development of the Samarahan area.
The Sri Aman Development Agency (SADA) was established in 2020 to look into the development of the Sri Aman Division.
This year, the Sarawak government agreed to the formation of a development agency for Greater Kuching called Greater Kuching Coordination Development Agency (GKCDA) which focuses on and coordinates the developments in the Greater Kuching area, from outside Kuching to Serian.
The Rajang Delta Development Agency (RDDA) was also set up to better coordinate developments in the coastal region which includes Daro, Pualu Bruit, Jemoreng, and up to Mukah.
Meanwhile, the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) was also set up to focus on the development of Betong Division.
All these agencies are each allocated a sum of RM1.5 billion to carry out development within their respective areas which would ultimately result in greater development and progress especially in the rural areas.
