KAPIT: The Upper Rajang Development Agency (Urda) succeeded in identifying some of the potential high-impact projects for the region through a special lab, which concluded yesterday.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, who is also Urda chairman, said through the Urda Special Lab, they were able to identify the high-impact projects, which will produce the greatest socioeconomic benefits through various key economic programmes and activities.
“Through Urda, we have been given this Upper Rajang area to develop. But first, it is crucial for us to decide the direction we want to head to and how to plan for it.
“It is important for us to plan properly so that we can source for the funds for our development projects and I believe Urda has the potential to get the funds,” he said, when closing the three-day Urda Special Lab.
Meanwhile, Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) CEO Datu Ismawi Ismuni said the outcome of the lab’s group discussions will be crucial for coming up with the best proposals to present to the Recoda Board for approval.
“As for the best proposals, these will be the high-impact projects and key socioeconomic programmes and activities for the Upper Rajang area.
“From (the participants’) feedback, we can see that there are many projects, programmes and activities that fit these criteria and we are confident of their potential for success,” he said during the closing ceremony.
Earlier, First Malaysian Infantry Division commander Major Gen Datuk Stephen Mundaw presented a briefing on the security situation in the Upper Rajang area, especially along the border.
The presentations were from the Special Lab’s five groups, namely Kapit and Nanga Merit, Bukit Mabong, Belaga and Murum, Kanowit, and Song.
Recoda organised the Urda Special Lab in collaboration with the Sarawak Development Institute.