Sarawak Budget 2027: RM6.4 billion allocation expected for rapid rural development

MIRI, 4 Nov: Development of infrastructure in rural areas must continue to accelerate to ensure more people enjoy access to clean water, electricity, roads and better communication networks.

The RM6.4 billion allocation for rural development in Sarawak's Budget 2027 is welcomed by the population, but they expect its implementation to also address unresolved needs, especially in hard-to-reach rural areas and villages.

Selanyau village chief Sawal Mawang, 77, said the development in Bekenu and surrounding areas shows a significant change as people now enjoy road facilities, water supply, electricity and housing assistance.

According to him, the progress proves that rural areas also receive development benefits, thus improving the livelihood of local communities.

"Now we have roads, water and electricity. Housing aid also helps the population a lot.

"I hope that more aid will be channelled to the agricultural sector as it has the potential to develop as a source of income for the population especially in rural areas", he said when meeting TVS here, today.

Meanwhile, the resident, Brother Amzi Fadil, 43, said that the construction of roads and bridges has changed the life of the community, especially in terms of connections between villages.

For example, villagers who used to use boats for travel can now use bridges, thus facilitating daily activities.

"In any case, I hope that internet access can be improved and more job opportunities created for young people so they can build lives in their own areas", he said.

For Subis's Assistant Superintendent of the Golden Citizen Activities Centre (PAWE), Nurul Asyiqin Abdullah, 36, improvement of basic facilities still needs to be considered, especially involving access to communications and water supply in certain areas.

He said that unstable telephone coverage could make it difficult for residents to get help in emergencies, while the lack of a nearby bombing facility also poses challenges when there is a fire.

"I hope the government can improve banking facilities, automated teller machines (ATMs) and postal services so that people in Bekenu area do not have to go back and forth to Niah.

"Furthermore, water supply problems are still facing some villages, especially settlements in hilly areas and locations with limited access to supplies", he said.

Sarawak's Budget 2027 allocates RM6.4 billion for rural development out of the total RM10.098 billion of state development allocation.

To strengthen basic infrastructure, the state government also provided RM454 million for water supply, RM50 million for Outdoor Electrification Scheme and RM63.5 million for Sarawak Alternative Urban Electricity Supply Scheme (SARES) and grid expansion. - TVS