KUCHING, Nov 3 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that the Rural and Regional Development Ministry's (KKDW) 24 delayed projects in Sarawak, originally scheduled between 2016 and 2022, will be prioritised for completion before the launch of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
Zahid, who is also the rural and regional development minister, said RM1.4 billion is required for the implementation of these projects, the majority of which are focused on rural areas.
“There are additional amounts that we are finalising. We are also reassessing the allocation due to rising construction costs and the prices of building materials. A meeting involving ministries and central agencies is scheduled in two weeks in Kuala Lumpur to discuss this matter.
“Other aspects, such as land acquisition, will be addressed by the state government through its own agency, which has already allocated funds to resolve such issues,” he said at a press conference following a briefing on the implementation of Sarawak's development projects, today.
Zahid said the Village Link Road (JPD) project is a priority which must be expedited to facilitate access for residents of small towns and certain cities to the main roads and the Pan Borneo Highway.
He added that the Federal government has allocated a total of RM85 million for the upgrade of logging roads in the state, which is expected to be completed this year.
Meanwhile, KKDW, in a statement, said a total of RM713.16 million has been allocated under the development of the 4th Rolling Plan (RP4) of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) for this year.
This funding encompasses 292 projects, comprising 70 new initiatives and 222 extensions.
On a separate issue, Zahid, who is Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, reiterated his stance on the coalition's cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (Harapan) in the upcoming Sabah state election.
He assured that there will be no overlap of seats between the two coalitions and that logos will be used according to their respective parties.
“We will apply the same formula for seat distribution and collaboration with other coalitions, such as Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS),” he said.
“We are open to negotiations, but we won't leave the door too wide open. We are currently holding consultations with all leaders of the component parties,” he added.
He said any statements representing BN and Harapan must come from the coalition leaders, not from individual party leaders.
“As long as the coalition party leader has not made a statement, any other comments represent an individual's position and do not reflect the party’s stand. Those are merely personal opinions, as we have completed our negotiations at the respective party level,” he said.
— Bernama
