By Lianne Cheng
KUCHING, Oct 27: A total of RM4 billion will be allocated to the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) between 2019 and 2020 to develop areas covered by the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg announced this today at Recoda’s 10th anniversary celebration at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
He told those present that after he became the chief minister, he split areas under SCORE, which is half the size of Peninsular Malaysia and under Recoda’s jurisdiction, into three areas, where they are to be developed by (a) Highland Development Agency (HDA), (b) Ulu Rajang Development Agency (URDA), and (c) Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA).
The main focus of development for the three areas would be tourism, modernisation of agriculture and basic infrastructure.
Abang Johari said URDA and HDA would each get RM1.5 billion, while NRDA would be allocated RM1 billion, depending on the investment coming into Lawas.
“I will give RM1.5 billion for two years for development, including the building of road and water supply, for URDA,” said Abang Johari.
Being a big biker, he said, it would be his wish to one day ride from Sibu to Kapit and from Kapit to Baleh.
At Baleh, the dam and lakes formed due to impoundment of the dam would provide scenic views, which he said has high tourism potential. From Baleh, riders may then return to Bintulu.
For HDA, the main focus would be for the provision of infrastructure as well as for the modernisation of agriculture and tourism. The RM1.5 billion allocation would be to enhance road connectivity, where timber tracks in the area would be upgraded into quality roads.
With basic amenities laid, he believed tourism potential in the area might be tapped, as the highland areas of Ba’kelalan and Bario offer picturesque sceneries that are great for tourism.
In terms of development for NRDA, Abang Johari said a road and a bridge would be built to allow Bruneians to reach Limbang in 15 minutes.
He said Lawas and Limbang had ecotourism potential, as there is a cave within Gunung Kuda (Horse Mountain). It is actually a part of the Mulu Cave system, where the Mulu Cave is the `head’ while Gunung Kuda cave the tail end. — DayakDaily
