By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, March 7: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) has agreed to the Sarawak government’s proposal to repair and upgrade dilapidated roads which were built as Jiwa Murni projects in the region.
Deputy Prime Minister Dato Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi noted that some of the Jiwa Murni roads that were built and then used by logging operators have been damaged.
“Thus, we will give priority to roads that are no longer used by heavy logging vehicles, to be upgraded to give main access to the interior areas.
“For areas that are still actively traversed by this logging transport, we will give it second priority.
“The important thing is that the implementation must be done before Christmas or Dec 25 this year because it is not just a matter of celebration but also taking into account the monsoon season that will be faced by Sarawak after that time,” he told reporters after chairing a coordination meeting between KKDW and Sarawak government representatives at a press conference held at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.
Zahid who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development further said his ministry acknowledged several guidelines adopted by Sarawak government such as prequalification for the tendering process.
“We (KKDW) will follow the benchmarks determined by the Sarawak government (for the projects).
“These benchmarks will be adopted by KKDW not only for project implementation in Sarawak but also in other regions and states because it is a good guideline and there is no issue of leaking projects or ‘sick’ projects due to under-qualified performance,” he added.
He also disclosed that those attending the earlier meeting have decided on 60 matters, including increasing food security.
“We have agreed that the Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Felcra) will collaborate with the Sarawak government to establish a large-scale paddy estate to provide supply for domestic consumption.
“The Sarawak government will announce it once it has receive approval from the Sarawak Cabinet and the announcement would be made by the Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg),” he emphasised.
Also present were Deputy Premiers of Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian; Federal Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang; Sarawak Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; Sarawak Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Development Aidel Lariwoo; and Sarawak Deputy Minister of Port Development Datuk Majang Renggi. — DayakDaily
