KUCHING, Nov 21: Infrastructure Development in Sarawak received one of the major allocations in the 2023 State Budget amounting to RM1.12 billion.
Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the allocation will involve the development of roads and bridges, ports, and riverine infrastructure particularly in the rural areas.
“The 2023 State Budget will continue to be a development-oriented budget and rural focused.
“A sum of RM7.506 billion is proposed under the Development Expenditure Estimates for 2023 whereby RM4.540 billion or 60 percent will be for development in rural areas,” he said when tabling the State Budget at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting here this morning.
As such, in steering Sarawak to become a high income and inclusive economy, the State Government is committed to accelerate its economic growth with greater emphasis on infrastructure development.
Among the major projects are:
(1) Design and Construction of Inner Ring Road, Kuching.
(2) Construction of Road from Sibu Jaya to Kong Yit Khim Road, Sibu.
(3) Jalan Pakan/Ulu Kota, Pakan, Sarikei (Phase 3) and Replacement of Seven (7) Temporary Bridges Under Phase 1 to Permanent Bridges.
(4) Upgrading of Jalan Oya, Sibu.
(5) Emergency Works for Damaged Public Infrastructure.
(6) Sg. Limbang Bridge, Sg. Bunut No. 2 and Connecting Roads, Limbang.
(7) Rural Bridges Transformation Programme.
(8) Vehicle Yard and Associated Facilities at Senari Port.
Adding further, the Premier said several major infrastructure projects costing billions of ringgit are currently being implemented and financed under Alternative Funding Initiatives such as the Coastal Road Network, Second Trunk Road, Bukit Mambong Airport, and the Kuching Urban Transportation System.
As such, Abang Johari pointed out that the state government will ensure that continuous development takes place in every nook and corner of the state, capitalizing on the local economic potentials and at the same time, accelerating the state’s transformation agenda.
“Thus, three (3) new regional development agencies have recently been created namely Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA), Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA), and Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA),” he added.
This is in line with the state’s effort in empowering and decentralizing development efforts in all regions for better coordination and more efficient projects implementation. – TVS
