By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 19: Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Sarawak Public Communications Unit) Datuk Abdullah Saidol has disbursed RM831,000 in Minor Rural Project (MRP) funds to Pulau Bruit, benefiting 20 recipients, including 14 Village/Longhouse Development and Security Committees (JKKKs), two mosque/surau committees, two Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), and two kindergartens.
Of the total allocation, RM778,000 will fund small-scale community projects such as repairing village roads, jetties, and public toilets, while the remainder will support social activities and longhouse facilities.
Abdullah, who is the Semop assemblyman, presented the allocation to recipients in a humble ceremony at Pulau Bruit during his recent two-day working visit.
He reminded community leaders to manage the funds responsibly and ensure all projects follow the approved specifications, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability.
On the broader topic of rural development, Abdullah said the commitment of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to improve rural living standards through planning and infrastructure projects is not “tong kosong” (empty promise).
“A total of RM6.8 billion, or 62 per cent of Sarawak’s RM10.9 billion development expenditure for 2025, is focused on rural areas.
“Among the high-impact projects, especially for Sarawak’s coastal regions, is the construction of 10 major bridges costing RM3.81 billion, fully funded by the Sarawak government,” he said in a statement today.
Addressing critics who claim that Sarawak’s high revenue does not benefit the people, Abdullah said such views reflect a limited understanding of the state’s development agenda.
He added that financial prudence goes hand in hand with a vigorous infrastructure development agenda, particularly in rural areas, alongside welfare schemes such as free education and the RM450 million Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) programme, which provides essential support through cashless payments via Sarawak Pay. – DayakDaily
