By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, Nov 20: Sarawak Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD), Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas announces a 64 per cent increase in the ministry’s 2025 development budget of RM1.31 billion compared to this year’s RM799.52 million.
According to Uggah, the boost in funding will be used to implement four key infrastructure programmes which include RM1.01 billion for land infrastructure, RM83.30 million for riverine infrastructure, RM211.59 million for government buildings, and RM5.08 million for public buildings.
He said the increased allocation reflects the State’s commitment to enhancing Sarawak’s road network, port facilities, and rural-urban connectivity to bridge development gaps and spur economic growth across the State.
“To date, my ministry (MIPD) through Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak has been entrusted to implement 496 projects amounting to RM40.83 billion under the 12th Malaysia Plan,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
Of these, 239 projects fall under Development Expenditure, 188 under Projek Rakyat, and 69 under Alternative Funding. The projects include 298 road projects totalling RM27.17 billion, 69 bridges costing RM5.37 billion, 105 buildings valued at RM3.54 billion, 22 riverine structures worth RM4.4 billion, and two airports costing RM350.82 million.
Progress on these projects is ongoing, with 203 completed, 109 under construction, and 184 at the pre-contract stage.
In addition, MIPD, through JKR Sarawak, is also implementing 276 projects worth RM3.48 billion under six development agencies—Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA), Sri Aman Development Agency (SADA), Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA), Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA), Mid-Rajang Regional Development Agency (MiRRDA), and Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA). — DayakDaily
