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KUCHING, June 1: Massive traffic congestion in many parts of rural Sarawak, including Kapit which was once an isolated town, serves as evidence that development has reached rural regions.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that this is a result of more comprehensive and hollistic development with the Sarawak government allocating 70 per cent of development funds to rural areas to improve living conditions and infrastructure.
“We have received reports regarding traffic jams in rural areas such as Kapit and many other areas where the road network has been developed.
“This development signifies that our efforts have borne fruits and progress made in reaching the rural and interior parts of Sarawak,” he told reporters during a doorstep interview after officiating at the Gawai Dayak open house at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
Furthermore, Abang Johari pointed out that many villages and longhouses in rural Sarawak no longer have to depend on expensive diesel generators to generate electricity as they have been connected to solar power through Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (Sares).
“This undoubtedly will enliven and ensure a more joyous Gawai celebration this year,” he said.
He emphasised that the Sarawak government maintains its commitment to developing and improving basic infrastructure and amenities in order to close the urban and rural gap even further.
“This is to ensure that people across Sarawak, especially in rural and interior regions, can equally enjoy the benefits of development, and can celebrate all festivities without experiencing any shortcomings in the years to come,” he added.
Abang Johari’s wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian as well as other Sarawak Cabinet leaders were among those present. — DayakDaily
