KUALA LUMPUR: The unity government through the Malaysia Madani Budget 2024 has provided an allocation of RM1.1bil to resolve water supply issues, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Presenting the budget, themed 'Madani Economy: Empowering the People', in the Dewan Rakyat on Friday (Oct 13), he said the government has pledged that water supply woes must come to an end, especially in Kelantan, Sabah and Labuan.
"For Kelantan, the first phase of the Machang water treatment plant construction project, with a capacity of 250 million litres a day will be implemented to increase water supply reserves.
"Asbestos cement pipes were also replaced to reduce the rate of water loss and water supply disruptions due to leaking pipes.
"While waiting for the project to be completed, the rental of tankers and static tanks will be added to ensure that the people of Kelantan get immediate water supply when there are disruptions," he said.
He said to overcome the water supply issue in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, the focus was on restoring and replacing infrastructure and equipment to increase the capacity of the water treatment plant while in Labuan, efforts would be on replacing old pipes and repairing existing infrastructure.
Anwar said the government would introduce the Madani Community Programme, under the supervision of the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister's Department, to support efforts to uplift the community economy.
"This programme aims to boost economic activities at the community level involving five focus sectors, namely agriculture and food, sewing and handicraft, herbs and health, tourism and hospitality as well as green and recycling activities.
"Each community, whether in the village or in the city, will be given the freedom to consult and decide their chosen focus sector.
"The government will provide an allocation of RM1bil under the Madani Community Fund," he said.
He said grants ranging from RM50,000 to RM100,000 will be provided to make the Madani Community Programme a success.
Meanwhile, Anwar said the improvement of infrastructure in villages will continue to be given priority to bridge the gap between regions.
These include RM1.63bil allocated to build and upgrade rural roads, including Bachok in Kelantan; Tambun Tulang in Perlis; and Kuala Lukut to Chuah, Port Dickson and RM939 million to provide water supply to 5,150 homes and electricity supply to 2,200 houses.
In addition, Anwar said the government will introduce the Madani Foster Village Programme, which focuses on providing basic facilities, including internet access in marginalised rural areas. - Bernama
