by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 18: Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has called on regional development agencies to fully utilise their RM1.5 billion allocations to fast-track infrastructure and economic development, particularly in rural areas.
He emphasised that the Sarawak government aims to link up all, if not most, rural settlements with roads by 2030, and the funding, allocated to each of the State’s nine regional development agencies, must be strategically spent to deliver benefits to the communities.
“It is an issue if you are not able to do so. Our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg expects the given allocations to be used as soon as possible.
“The people on knowing about these allocations, expect them to be used to fulfil their expectations for better communication and better standard of living,” he said when officiating at a Highland Development Agency (HDA) laboratory on proposed projects and programmes under the 13th Malaysia Plan in Miri today.
“If there are delay contributing problems with the people, the system or co-operation among the implementing agencies, these should be resolved immediately,” he added.
On progress by HDA, Uggah, who is also its chairman, noted that it had committed RM1 billion of its allocation on various infrastructural and economic development projects. He expressed hope that the remaining RM500 million would be utilised by mid-2026.
Touching on the Baram area, he said the area had many former logging roads, and are in poor condition and in urgent need of maintenance, upgrades, and bridge replacements.
“The situation is complicated. We must find the long-term solution for the maintenance,” he said, adding that he would lead a team from the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) to visit the Bario area this July for on-site assessments.
On the economic front, Uggah said Bario and surrounding areas have strong potential for agricultural ventures such as coffee and passion fruit cultivation, handicrafts, and buffalo rearing.
“I understand it has a huge wild buffalo population but belonging to the locals. I suggest the owners try to domesticate them. In the Meragang buffalo breeding station in Limbang , there is a big buffalo population and efforts are being made to develop cheese from the milk,” he added.
He also highlighted the rich local culture and traditions as a strong asset for tourism development.
Among those present at the event were Baram MP Datuk Anyie Ngau, Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala, Marudi assemblyman Datu Dr Penguang Manggil, Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau, and RECODA CEO Datuk Ismawi Ismuni. – DayakDaily
