By DayakDaily Team
LAWAS, May 6: A special committee will be established to coordinate and report on the progress and challenges faced by entities under the Regional Development Agencies (RDA).
According to Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU, and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi will chair the committee.
The nine RDAs include the Northern Regional Development Agency (NRDA), Highland Regional Development Agency (HDA), Mid-Rajang Regional Development Agency (MiRRDA), Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA), Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA), Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA), Sri Aman Development Agency (SADA), Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA), and Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA).
“The RDA initiative also involves central agencies such as the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), Sarawak Implementation Monitoring Unit (SIMU), as well as relevant ministries, technical agencies, and departments,” Dr Abdul Rahman explained during a meeting held at Lawas District Council on Monday (May 5).
The RDAs were established to accelerate regional development by allowing direct project approvals without having to go through federal agencies.
Each RDA is responsible for planning its own project proposals, which are then approved by their respective Steering Committees.
“RDA projects are implemented by technical agencies such as the Public Works Department (JKR), Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), Department of Agriculture (DOA), Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), local authorities, statutory bodies, Resident Offices, and District Offices,” he added.
RDAs and asset owners are therefore required to plan budgets and manpower for the operation and maintenance of assets.
Dr Abdul Rahman also stressed the need for strong collaboration among all RDAs to ensure smooth implementation of approved projects and close cooperation with implementing and monitoring agencies to ensure timely completion.
He also issued a stern warning to all contractors who have received a Letter of Appointment (LOA), urging them to begin fieldwork within 30 days from the date the LOA is issued.
He stressed that implementing agencies must ensure strict compliance with this directive, without exception.
“Close collaboration among all parties — including the RDAs, implementing agencies, and monitoring bodies — is essential to ensure that all projects are completed on schedule and deliver meaningful benefits to the people,” he added.
The formation of the Special Committee is expected to serve as a catalyst for a more efficient and effective delivery system, in line with the Sarawak government’s aspiration to achieve balanced development across both rural and urban areas. — DayakDaily
