KUCHING (Nov 20): Significant investments are needed to finance public infrastructure and utilities in both urban and rural areas of Sarawak, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

Due to the state’s vast geographical landscape, he said investments are critical to ensure balanced development in all parts of Sarawak.

The Second Minister for Finance and New Economy also disclosed that under the Mid-Term Review of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), the allocation ceiling has been increased to RM38 billion to finance 1,412 development projects in the state.

“The increased ceiling allows for the implementation of many more strategic development projects aimed at addressing critical infrastructure gaps and accelerating economic growth throughout Sarawak.”

Uggah said this in his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today.

Of these 1,412 projects, he said 1,006 or 71 per cent are physical projects, while the remaining 406 or 29 per cent are non-physical projects that include grants, contributions, investments, activities, and events.

“To date, 250 physical projects have been completed while the remaining 756 projects are at various stages of implementation.

“Cumulatively, RM23 billion of the total of Sarawak 12th Malaysia Plan’s ceiling has been spent,” said Uggah, noting that the expenditure is expected to increase further as the projects progress.

Uggah also emphasised on the government’s commitment to continuing the ‘Projek Rakyat’, with a focus on public facilities, mobility, connectivity, and social amenities.

He said to date, the number of approved projects is 712 with a total cost of RM9.5 billion, and out of this, 234 projects have been completed while the remaining 478 projects are under various stages of implementation.

Among the 234 completed projects, he said were the upgrading works of five ‘critical roundabouts’ in Samarahan; Sarawak Reefball Project Phase 1; Sarawak Farmers Organisation building; flood mitigation project and drainage at Taman Ecopark, Miri; the Marudi Bridge over Batang Baram; the upgrading works of Sungai Limbang Waterfront Phase 2; Kampung Sundar Extension Phase 2, Lawas; upgrading of roads and drainage and residential lots at Igan Village extension scheme, Mukah; and the development of Peace Park in Sri Aman.

Adding on, he said more projects are expected to be completed next year such as the works on village extension schemes at Jelutong, Jepak and Kampung Hulu Kabong, Betong; the road constructions at Kampung Medong/Lebrasau/Kampung Klid, Dalat, Mukah; and the relocation and reconstruction of SK Pulo, Kuching.

He said the state government will also continue to implement new projects which include, among others, the tar sealing of Ulu Tinjar Road (from Pekan Lapok to Kampung Long Tisam); development of public facilities at Integrated Administrative Centre Mulu, Miri; Sarawak Digital Innovation Ecosystem; tar sealing of Long Teran Kanan Road and a bridge crossing Sungai Tinjar to Long Teran Batu and Long Teran Kiri; a dedicated pipeline from Berawan Reservoir to Lubok Tuan Booster Station, Limbang; Integrated Village Extension Scheme at Matang Batu 10, Gita and Sungai Maong Phase 1, Kuching; and the Penakub Ulu Bridge, Mukah.

Regarding the projects funded by the federal government, Uggah said that RM5.80 billion has been approved for the implementation of 1,124 projects under the Fourth Rolling Plan 2024.

“Thus far, RM3.16 billion has been spent, accounting for 54 per cent of the total allocation.

“In terms of physical progress, 249 projects have been completed, while the remaining projects are at various stages of implementation,” he said.