By Adrian Lim
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17: A total of RM3.25 million has been allocated by the federal government this year for the implementation of nine projects for rural connection roads in Bintulu.
According to Rural Development Deputy Minister II Datuk Henry Sum Agong, the funds were channeled to the Rural Development Ministry (KPLB) Sarawak office which will also implement the project.
Henry added the federal government has allocated RM44.6 million for the construction of rural connection roads in Sarawak this year.
He was replying to Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing who questioned the Ministry of Rural Development about the total allocation of funds to Sarawak for the construction of rural connection roads especially in Bintulu.
In response to a supplementary question, Henry said the federal government is implementing the upgrading and repair of village roads in phases.
He said there were many projects being proposed and there is a need for collaboration with other ministries for the implementation of these projects.
“For projects which are yet to be implemented, the responsible agencies will take action, and let us wait for the project implementation,” he said when replying to Tiong in Parliament today.
Tiong had disclosed that there were a few village roads and access roads for longhouses which were yet to be upgraded and repaired by the federal government.
On another note, Henry said the federal government has provided various initiatives to lift up the socio-economic wellbeing of the people especially the B40 group in rural areas.
He noted these initiatives include income enhancement programmes, entrepreneurship programmes which include business development and marketing of products as well as Village Integrated Economic Development Projects. — DayakDaily
