KUCHING, March 3: A total of 6,800 households in rural areas throughout the State have benefited from Additional or Late Application Fund (Alaf) projects to date.
Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Julaihi Narawi, said Alaf is one of three programmes introduced by the Sarawak government under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) to alleviate the burdens of the rural community.
According to Julaihi, Alaf is an ongoing programme implemented in stages to supply 24-hour electricity to rural areas for late applicants when the electricity supply infrastructure is completed.
“Since 2018, a total of RM80 million has been allocated under ‘Projek Rakyat’ for this initiative,” said Julaihi in his speech during the launching ceremony of the rural electricity Alaf scheme at Jalan Kampung Buntal, here today.
Julaihi noted, for eligible applicants, the cost of electrical installation will be fully borne by the Sarawak government through the administration of the Ministry of Utilities and Telecommunications Sarawak, and Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy) as the implementing agency for this project
He said the rural electricity supply connections are provided to domestic residences complete with rooms, kitchens and toilets suitable for occupancy for rural applicants. Premises such as storage units, houses that are categorised as ‘unsafe’, and commercial premises do not meet the criteria to participate in the Alaf scheme.
“Apart from that, applicants for rural electrical connections are also eligible for in-house wiring assistance scheme or AWS (Assisted Wiring Scheme) where applicants can pay the cost of wiring in installments for 36 months through the Sarawak Energy electricity bill,” he added.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi. — DayakDaily
