RM1.5 billion allocated for development in Upper Rajang

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SIBU: The Sarawak government has allocated RM1.5 billion to Upper Rejang Development Agency (URDA) for water and power supply and road construction projects to be implemented within the next two years.

This was announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg when he officiated at the opening of the M.M. Golden (M) Sdn Bhd’s corporate building at Deshon Road here yesterday

“The whole Rajang Basin will be connected by road – to open up new areas for modern agriculture enterprises that utilises technology,” he said.

Abang Johari added that to tap into the vast potential of agriculture in the region, the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) has been split into three agencies, namely Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA), Highland Development Agency (HDA) and Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA).

“Because the terrain of Upper Rajang is hilly– we try to identify what is suitable for such terrain – rubber is an option but there must be infrastructure – that is why we build roads, water and power supply plus digital infrastructure.

“We are studying whether we can use satellite – we rent satellite and communication will be through satellite because satellite can beam to the rural areas. With that four infrastructure in place– our economy will be prosperous,” he pointed out.

On another matter, Abang Johari took a swipe at the opposition for claiming that he would use the state reserves to implement mega projects.

“I know a bit about how to get money – that is why I impose sales tax and they were surprised. We don’t use our reserves, we use our strength, our law, our right – MA63 as our platform … ”

M.M. Golden (M) Sdn Bhd managing director Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii also spoke at the function.

Also present at the launching were Assistant Minister of Education and Technological Research Dr Annuar Rapaee, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Datuk Tiong, Thai King, who is also Dudong assemblyman, Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau and Sibu Resident Charles Siaw.