‘Here in Kapit, the Federal Government has allocated RM2.1 billion for much-needed development projects that will directly benefit the grassroots community.’
KAPIT: The Federal Government has allocated substantial funding to improve living standards and infrastructure in rural Sarawak, a senior leader of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has acknowledged.
Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who is GPS secretary-general and also Works Minister, said the Madani Government has placed significant emphasis on rural development in Sarawak.
Nanta said he could personally attest to this in his capacity as Works Minister and Member of Parliament for Kapit, a constituency located in the heart of Sarawak.
“The Madani Government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has committed substantial allocations for the benefit of rural Sarawakians.
“For example, here in Kapit, the Federal Government has allocated RM2.1 billion for much-needed development projects that will directly benefit the grassroots community.
“These federal allocations received by the Sarawak Government will be channelled to the people on the ground,” he said while attending a Hari Raya Aidiladha meat distribution ceremony at Kampung Gelam in Song, Kapit.
Nanta said he was confident that both federal and state leaders would continue to prioritise the needs of rural Sarawak, where the development of basic amenities remains a key requirement.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government is expanding its Madani Adopted Village Programme in Sarawak by adding another 500 villages and longhouses to address infrastructure shortcomings.
The nationwide programme, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister’s Department, has recently expanded into the Kanowit parliamentary constituency in central Sarawak, according to National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
Aaron, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kanowit, recently presented RM500,000 grants for clean water supply projects to three newly adopted villages in his constituency — Rumah Johnny, Rumah Bibi and Rumah Morris.
A nearby primary school, Sekolah Kebangsaan Batu Luking, which serves children from the three longhouses, will also benefit from the water supply project.
“We will add another 500 villages and longhouses in Sarawak to the Madani Adopted Village Programme.
“We are giving priority to communities that still lack basic amenities such as electricity and clean water supply.
“We will allocate funds for off-grid solar power projects as well as clean water supply schemes in villages under the programme.
“The aim is to directly improve the lives of rural communities in urgent need of assistance,” he said.
Aaron added that his ministry is working closely with district offices across Sarawak to identify villages and longhouses requiring essential infrastructure such as electricity, clean water, roads and bridges for inclusion in the programme.
On May 17, the Madani Adopted Village Programme was also expanded to Miri.
Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Chiew Choon Man, who is also the Member of Parliament for Miri, announced that RM1 million had been allocated under the programme for Kampung Haji Wahed, with additional villages in Miri expected to be included in the future.
“The Implementation Coordination Unit under the Prime Minister’s Department in Putrajaya is overseeing this programme.
“RM1 million has already been allocated to Kampung Haji Wahed to repair village roads damaged by recent floods and erosion.
“Public facilities such as the community hall and drainage retaining walls will also be upgraded.
“The Federal Government is concerned about the welfare of ordinary Malaysians in Sarawak.
“Attention will be given under the Madani Adopted Village Programme to communities facing infrastructure challenges, not only in rural areas but also in urban locations such as Miri,” Chiew said.
