By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 6: The Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA) under the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) has opened its new office in Kapit to enhance coordination and delivery of development projects in the Upper Rajang region.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated the opening ceremony today, joined by Minister of Works and URDA Chairman Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, senior State officials and representatives from the Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit (TERAJU) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
The newly refurbished office, located in Kapit town, was built at a cost of RM5.7 million. It serves as a central hub for planning and implementing physical and socio-economic projects across the region.
It is also the first regional office established among RECODA’s three development agencies, marking a milestone in bringing administrative and technical support closer to local communities.
According to a press release, RM1.5 billion in alternative funding has been approved for 42 projects under URDA to date. These include major road and bridge works, water supply initiatives, and the ongoing Kapit Master Plan, which outlines a sustainable and well-planned growth strategy for the region.
URDA has also implemented 24 socio-economic programmes under the COMMUNITY@SCORE initiative, benefiting local entrepreneurs, farmers and small-scale industries involved in agriculture, fisheries and rural enterprise development.
During the Merarau Bersama Komuniti held after the officiating ceremony, RECODA Chief Executive Officer Datuk Ismawi Ismuni handed over the Kapit Master Plan report to Nanta in a symbolic presentation witnessed by the Premier.
The Kapit Master Plan aims to transform the town into a sustainable growth centre that supports regional economic expansion while preserving its natural environment and cultural identity.
The officiating ceremony concluded with a symbolic handover of the office key to Nanta, witnessed by the Premier.
With the new office and ongoing development initiatives, URDA is expected to accelerate socio-economic transformation in the Upper Rajang region through sustainable planning and effective project implementation.
Earlier this year, between February 17 to 25, a high-level benchmarking visit to Oslo and Bergen, Norway, was carried out to study best practices in sustainable urban development, regional planning and rural integration.
Following the visit, Dr Hans-Jacob Roald from the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences visited Sarawak from October 16 to 27 for technical collaboration on urban and regional planning. — DayakDaily
