KOTA SAMARAHAN: A total of 453 out of 660 projects have been successfully implemented under the Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA) as of the first quarter of 2025.

The Chairman of IRSDA Steering Committee who is also the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that apart from that, 46 projects are still in the implementation stage.

Meanwhile, another 134 projects are in the planning stage and 27 projects have been cancelled due to overlapping with other IRSDA project lines and falling into the 'KIV' category.

"Congratulations to the implementing agencies and the IRSDA Sub-Committee who have worked hard in completing IRSDA projects and contributing to positive progress in terms of implementation compared to other Regional Development Agencies," he said.

He explained this when chairing the IRSDA Steering Committee Meeting No. 1 of 2025 which was held at the Sarawak Farmers' Association (PPNS) Hall, here, on Tuesday.

According to him, to ensure the continuity of development in the Samarahan Division, implementing agencies and IRSDA Sub-Committees are encouraged to start formulating their respective directions ahead of the implementation of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) which will start from 2026 to 2030.

“Implementing agencies are also encouraged to apply for project allocations through the 13MP and not just rely on IRSDA funds alone, given that 83 percent or RM1.245 billion of the existing IRSDA allocation has been committed to projects that have been completed and are being implemented,” he explained.

Dato Sri Abdul Karim also urged that all projects that are still in the planning phase be implemented immediately to ensure that the benefits can be fully felt by the local community.

“The implementing agencies and other IRSDA Sub-Committees are requested to expedite the implementation process of projects that are still in the planning stage and have not yet started so that the benefits of development can be immediately enjoyed by the entire community in the Samarahan Division,” he said.

Also present at the meeting were Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development and Kota Samarahan Member of Parliament, Datuk Rubiah Wang; Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development of Sarawak, Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo; Batang Sadong Member of Parliament, Rodiyah Sapiee; Simunjan Assemblyman, Awla Dris; Samarahan Division Resident, Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang and Special Administrative Officer of IRSDA, Anuar Da'an. -UKASnews