Latest update: Ahmad Zahid chairing the briefing in Kuching. — Bernama
KUCHING: The 24 delayed projects in Sarawak, originally scheduled between 2016 and 2022, will be prioritised for completion before the launch of the 13th Malaysia Plan, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said RM1.4bil is required for the implementation of these projects, the majority of which are focused on rural areas.
“There are additional amounts that we are finalising. We are also reassessing the allocation, due to rising construction and building materials costs. A meeting, involving ministries and central agencies, is scheduled in two weeks in Kuala Lumpur to discuss this matter.
“Other aspects, such as land acquisition, will be addressed by the state government through its own agency, which has already allocated funds to resolve such issues,” he told a press conference following a briefing on the implementation of Sarawak’s development projects yesterday.
Ahmad Zahid said the Village Link Road (JPD) project is a priority and must be expedited to facilitate access for residents of small towns and certain cities to the main roads and the Pan Borneo Highway.He added that the Federal Government has allocated RM85mil for the upgrade of logging roads in the state, which is expected to be completed this year, Bernama reported.
Earlier, Ahmad Zahid received a briefing on the latest updates regarding the implementation of development projects by the ministry, conducted by state agencies, such as those responsible for rural roads, bridges, water supply and electricity supply projects.
Additionally, four implementing agencies involved in ministry development programmes in Sarawak provided briefings during the session. These included the state Public Works Department, Drainage and Irrigation Department, Rural Water Supply Department and the ministry’s own state technical division.
Meanwhile, the ministry said a total of RM713.16mil has been allocated under the development of the 4th Rolling Plan (RP4) of the 12th Malaysia Plan for this year.This funding encompasses 292 projects, comprising 70 new initiatives and 222 extensions.
“As of Oct 21, project implementation performance recorded 195 pre-implementation projects, 69 projects currently under implementation and 26 post-implementation projects,” it said in a statement.
