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By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 3: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced today that the construction of a Mara Professional College in Kapit is set to commence this year.
Alongside this significant development, Kapit will also benefit from RM294.8 million worth of projects, including road enhancements, a bridge construction, and an alternative water supply scheme.
Speaking at the Gawai Dayak open house at the Kapit Civic Centre, Ahmad Zahid confirmed the approval of several projects including expediting the construction of the road from Jalan Nanga Semaram to Nanga Beguang (in Kanowit) worth RM170 million.
“Secondly, the construction of Jalan Sungai Sut to Rumah Juntan with an allocation of RM60 million is also approved.
“Third is the request for a bridge replacement connecting Sg Amang to Rumah Richard Engking with an allocation of RM4.8 million, and fourth is the alternative water supply scheme for Kapit Division costing RM60 million,” he said.
In a lighthearted manner, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, jokingly mentioned that the approval of these projects was a way to “repay” Kapit for treating him with Empurau fish at the open house.
However, he emphasised that the projects were a result of people of Sarawak, including Kapit community’s support for the unity government.
“More importantly, we acknowledged that the Sarawak under the leadership of Premier (of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) has contributed 23 parliamentary seats to strengthen the unity government,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of Sarawak, Sabah and Peninsula Malaysia unity to form a strong government, Ahmad Zahid stressed that a two-thirds majority in the Dewan Rakyat was crucial to avoid any obstacles in implementing projects.
He assured that the Federal government would provide allocation for projects that should be given to the State government.
“The Federal government is concerned about the issue of water and electricity supply, basic infrastructure and amenities in rural areas. The Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development (Datuk Rubiah Wang), being from Sarawak, would follow through and oversee these matters,” he added.
With the relocation of Indonesia’s capital Nusantara to Kalimantan, which borders Sarawak, Ahmad Zahid said the Federal government will continue to assist in expanding infrastructure development in the region.
“I am certain the CIQ (Customs, Immigration and Quarantine) and other immigration facilities between Malaysia and Indonesia will be upgraded. We must take this opportunity to leverage on Sarawak’s potential to enhance economic growth in light of these developments,” he added.
Federal Works Minister and Kapit MP Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Minister in the Premier’s Office Datuk John Sikie Tayai and Deputy Minister of Native Law and Customs Jefferson Jamit Unyat were among those present. — DayakDaily
