DUN Sarawak: Received RM25 million for 296 RTP projects

KUCHING, 14 Oct: Meradong District of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) receives RM25 million allocation to implement 296 projects under Rural Transformation Project (RTP) over the period 2022 to 2026.

Member of the Meradong State Legislative Assembly (ADUN), Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing said that the allocation reflects the continued commitment of the Sarawak Government to ensure development and basic facilities enjoyed by the people in the area.

"Every year, Meradong receives at least RM8 million allocations to implement various projects that benefit the people", he said while addressing the Supply Bill (Bill) 2027 at Sarawak's 19th DUN Congress today.

According to him, the RTP allocation for the period 2022 to 2026 includes RM10.28 million for 166 long house projects, RM6.43 million for 62 school projects, RM1.35 million for 13 government agency projects, RM2.27 million for 13 church and temple projects, RM360,000 for six mosques and southern projects as well as RM4.32 million for 36 non-governmental organization (NGO) projects.

Apart from RTP, development in Meradong is also supported through Small Outdoor Projects (MRP), Sarawak Poor People's Housing Improvement Program (MRP-PPRMS), allocation of the Unit for Other Religious Affairs (UNIFOR), MARRIS, People's Projects and Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA).
Through the MRP, RM9.57 million was allocated for 1,552 initiatives including 1,262 grants to NGOs, 50 to religious bodies and 240 to the education sector.

Ding said a total of 2,633 recipients also benefited from MRP-PPRMS during the period.

Meanwhile, UNIFOR channels RM2.1 million over five years to support the development of houses of worship in Meradong, while 41 classrooms in the district are equipped with smart boards to strengthen technology-based learning.

Commenting on infrastructure development, Ding said some major projects in Meradong are currently in the design and tender stage before implementation.

Among the projects are the construction of Bintangor swimming pool, hemodialysis center on Sungai Tulai, development of Bintangor river bank area, Bintangor town hall and a concrete bridge connecting Muhibah Road to Rancak Village.

Other projects include the development of Anjung Usahawan Meradong, upgrading water supply pipes to Bintangor Town and Mador River, construction of alternative roads connecting Jalan Kilang with Genting Road as well as upgrading of Bintangor Recreation Park.

"These projects are not just physical infrastructure development, but also investments for people's well-being, stimulating the local economy and realising the long-term development potential of Meradong", Ding said.

According to him, the implementation of the project is expected to improve public facilities, strengthen transport connections, expand business opportunities and enhance the quality of life of residents.

Ding also outlined four development proposals for Meradong under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13), namely construction of 55 units of House of Pearl Spectrum, Second Main Road, Pasi-Bintangor Road and Pasi-Pan Borneo Road.

He said the development of roads would facilitate population movement, launch transportation of agricultural products and increase access to education and health facilities.

"Better roads mean easier travel, more efficient transportation of agricultural products and broader opportunities for businesses and investors", he explained.