KUCHING, Dec 24: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah expressed his gratitude to the Sarawak Premier that RM5.695 billion, or 63 per cent, of the Sarawak Budget 2024 has been allocated for rural development, calling it a ‘fabulous’ Christmas gift to Sarawakians in rural areas.
In a statement, he said that from that amount, RM550 million is to implement Projek Rakyat, RM420 million for rural transformation projects (RTPs), RM200 million for regional development agencies, and RM260 million for minor rural projects (MRPs).
“In addition, RM799 million had been allocated to my Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development to have more or better roads and bridges along the way.”
Uggah said this will enhance Sarawak’s basic infrastructure, rural connectivity, and accessibility.
“It is a fabulous Christmas gift to rural Sarawakians this year—it means my Ministry and our related departments and agencies will have a lot of hard work ahead,” he said in his Christmas and 2024 New Year message.
Uggah thanked Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his inclusivity, generosity, and wisdom, adding that the announcement of the Sarawak Budget 2024 of RM12.36 billion is a testimony of the State’s success in its revenue reengineering efforts and prudent financial management.
Uggah elaborated this budget reflects the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government’s continued commitment to creating a better future for Sarawak under the theme ‘Development for All: Together, Building A Prosperous, Sustainable, and United Sarawak’.
He also listed the many good programmes to benefit Sarawakians, such as the Endowment Fund Sarawak, Post Natal Assistance, book vouchers and free laptops for those from households with income of RM1,500 per month, free tuition and uniform assistance programme for those from B40 households, local scholarships, and the Kenyalang Gold Card discount entitlement in supermarket and shops and next-of-kin could receive RM3,000.00 under the death compassionate assistance to cover funeral expenses.
At the same time, Uggah urged everybody to be cautious about the resurgence of Covid-19, especially the elderly, children, and those with comorbidities, and to adhere to the Ministry of Health’s standard operating procedures (SOPs).
He also hoped all Sarawakians would continue to nurture the existing religious and racial harmony, unity, and understanding among each other.
“Let us not take things for granted as any issue affecting our unity can derail our plans and programmes implementation.
“This Christmas, continue with our tradition of visiting the open house of our Christian brothers to reaffirm and restrengthen our ties,” he said. — DayakDaily
