THURSDAY, 4 APRIL, 2024
KUCHING: The Sarawak government has allocated a total of RM1.5 billion to accelerate rural development, particularly in education and health sectors.
Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, stated that the fund is under rural development agencies such as the Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA), where a portion of the funds can be used to repair and rebuild dilapidated schools and clinics in rural areas.
He mentioned that the state government will help finance federal projects for both sectors as agreed with the Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, last week. Sarawak will initially finance these projects, which will later be reimbursed by the federal government.
He made these remarks while attending the Ramadan Iftar and Tarawih prayer session with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) contingent of Sarawak in Kuching on Wednesday.
He further explained that the condition of schools and clinics in Sarawak needs to be on par with Sarawak’s recognition as a high-income state by the World Bank.
He revealed that more than 60 per cent of clinics and schools in Sarawak are in dilapidated condition and do not meet the quality standards allowed by the Public Works Department.
Moreover, the state government plans to rebuild quarters for teachers and nurses.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak Premier also performed the Maghrib, Isha, and Tarawih prayers with members of the Sarawak PDRM contingent at the Al-Mujahidin Mosque, Tabuan Jaya Police Housing Complex, after breaking the fast.
Also present were the wife of the Sarawak Premier, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Sarawak Police Commissioner CP Dato Mancha Ata, Chairperson of PERKEP Sarawak Contingent Datin Jennita William, Deputy Police Commissioner of Sarawak DCP Datuk Ibrahim Darus, Vice Chairperson of PERKEP Sarawak Contingent Datin Zanilatun Kamariah Zakaria, and members of the Sarawak PDRM contingent.-UKASnews
