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KUCHING, July 2: Deputy Sarawak Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas requests for help from the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) to help in developing Betong Division.
Uggah, who is also Bukti Saban assemblyman, said although Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) entrusted with the task and responsibility, the input from the ministry can help to do much more.
“BDDA efforts alone will not be enough,” he said at a ‘Ngiling Tikai’ gathering at Rh Entri Lengkoi in Samu in Betong today.
Deputy Prime Minister Dato Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who is KKDW minister was the guest-of-honour at the function which was attended by about 2,000 people.
Uggah said he understood that KKDW has the integrated village economic development project programme (Program Projek Bersepadu Pembangunan Ekonomik Kampung) or PROSPEK.
He also noted the programme is aimed primarily at upgrading the quality of basic infrastructure, generating job opportunities and income of participants, eradicating poverty and upgrading their standard of living.
“In Sarawak we have two PROSPEK projects, namely in Matu and in Lawas. So today, I am appealing to Dato Seri Ahmad Zahid to consider bringing PROSPEK projects to Betong.
“Then together with BDDA, we can solve unemployment problems, eradicate poverty and increase the income of the people in Betong,” he said.
He added that in Betong parliamentary constituency, there were already a number of development programmes under the ministry.
He said in Betong parliamentary constituency, Sarawak government have been successful in infrastructure development and villages are connected with roads, water and power supplies.
“But we have been less successful in increasing the people’s income and solve unemployment and poverty issues.
“According to e-Kasih data, there are still some 2,413 households categorised as hardcore poor and another 6,330 as poor,” he added.
Meanwhile on the Deputy Prime Minister’s visit to the 38-door longhouse, Uggah said it showed his strong support and love for the Dayak community.
“He had on the second day of Gawai Dayak chosen to be with me in Kuching and then with Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi in Kapit.
“Earlier today he was in Sri Aman and now with us in Samu for the ‘Ngiling Tikai’ programme,” he said.
Also present were Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang and other distinguished guests. – DayakDaily
