KABONG: Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development), Dato Sri Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel conducted a working visit to several project sites here, on Wednesday.

Among the locations was the site of the RM18 million New Kabong Mosque construction project, which is expected to be completed within 18 months from the date of site handover in November last year.

At present, the project, long hoped for by residents of Kabong District, has reached 5 per cent completion.

In addition, Dato Sri Dr. Muhammad Abdullah also visited several proposed high-impact projects, including the New Kabong Township, the new Kabong District Office, the Kabong Sports Complex, and the Sungai Seblak Corridor development in Kampung Sungai Benang.

Prior to the site visits, he chaired a meeting on development projects in the Kabong District that are expected to benefit the local community and require immediate attention.

Agencies present at the meeting included the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR), Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), Betong Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), State Development Office (SDO), Land and Survey Department, Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA), Sarawak Energy, and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).

The meeting also discussed the issue of drug abuse in the Kabong area.

It was understood that PDRM plans to establish a Narcotics Office in Kabong, staffed by seven officers.

Meanwhile, Dato Sri Dr. Muhammad Abdullah also expressed hope that implementing agencies would cooperate more effectively to ensure that proposed projects can be implemented without delay.

He noted that delays in preparation may increase the original cost of the projects due to rising material prices.

Also present at the meeting were Betong Division Resident, Richard Micheal Abunawas, along with other department heads. -UKASnews