BETONG, Feb 3: The state government will bring in more infrastructure, amenities and other development projects to further develop Betong division, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Officiating at the Betong Division annual Civil Service Day event here recently, Uggah said the proposed projects included the RM580 million ‘project rakyat’, which includes erecting 15 telecommunication towers.
“In addition, there is the RM30 million worth of minor projects under the Rural Transformation Programme,” he said.
In addition, the state government intended to increase the income of the rural people through economic activities, like in the Bukit Sadok Agropolitan Area, which covers Sri Aman, Betong and Sarikei divisions.
“This programme will integrate modern agriculture with livestock rearing, food processing and manufacturing,” he told those present.
To ensure all planned projects are successful, Uggah said it was vital for all civil servants here to rise to the occasion to meet these new challenges.
As these development projects involve multi-million ringgit investments, Uggah said the question of integrity becomes a critical issue.
“Whatever projects we are implementing for the people, they must be done to the specifications stipulated.
“Avoid any element of corrupt practices, where your integrity will be challenged. I am glad to state here that this has not been an issue with civil servants here. So far, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has yet to call in anyone for investigation, and we must keep it this way,” he said.
At the function, Uggah who is Bukit Saban assemblyman, announced a grant of RM30,000 for the celebration next year. Layar assemblyman Gerald Rentap Jabu, who was also present, chipped in RM20,000.
In his speech, Gerald expressed concern about the drug problems here, which he said was beginning to make its presence felt. He called for concerted efforts from all quarters to solve this problem.
On the move to declare every Saturday as plastic bag-free here, he lauded the move and said it augured well for the environment.
Others present at the gathering include Uggah’s wife, Datin Amar Doreen Mayang, Dr Richard Rapu, a political secretary to the Chief Minister, Betong Resident Friday Belik and organising chairman Dr Johnny Pangkas. — DayakDaily
