Recipients of MRP cheques pose with Rolland (seated centre). Seated from left are Bidol, Khalid, Yalin and Tuai Rumah Liban Guang.
PAKAN: The Sarawak government is serious in its efforts to improve the lives of the people including those in the rural areas, says Meluan assemblyman Rolland Duat.
“It is also focused on rural development and has put a hold on non-urgent urban development plans such as the LRT project which was proposed to be implemented in Kuching.”
He said this when presenting minor rural project (MRP) cheques to longhouse security and development committees (JKKKs) at Pakan community hall here yesterday.
“The Sarawak government would allocate funds to ensure the urgently needed facilities like roads, electricity and water supplies were implemented immediately.
“In that regard, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg wants all elected representatives to identify the projects, work out an estimate and submit the plan to the government to request for funds,” he said.
On his part, Rolland said he would use RTP funds to build access roads, solar energy system as a temporary source of electricity supply as well as short-term measures to address clean water supply problem.
“Nevertheless, we hoped to receive due attention from the federal government in development fund,” he added.
During the function, Rolland presented MRP fund cheques worth RM586,000 to 50 JKKKs under the Meluan state constituency.
He also advised the local people to use their land as their main source of income by utilising them for commercial farming.
The women bureaus which had been set up in most longhouses had also been urged to be active in helping to improve the income of their families.
“Among the projects in the pipeline to support the economic development in Meluan was the setting up of sub collection centre to facilitate export of agriculture produce to overseas market,” he disclosed.
He also stressed on the importance of working together to ensure continuous development under the current Sarawak government.
He also called for close co-operation among all parties and asking local community leaders to hold regular discussion with various agencies to come up with a comprehensive development plan.
Among those present were Julau District Officer Khalid Andong, Julau District police chief DSP Bidol Noyeng and a representative of Pakan District Officer, SAO Yalin Asan.