Sabah, Sarawak Rural Development Project to be continued - Ahmad Zahid

DURIAN TUNGAL, Oct 27: Rural development projects especially involving the construction of road infrastructure in Sabah and Sarawak should continue despite the government implementing austerity measures, said Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

"For me, no matter how much savings measures are taken, rural infrastructure should not be compromised because communities in the countryside of Sarawak and Sabah desperately need connectivity.

"Not only is the road linking Pan Borneo Highway to small towns and rural areas, but more importantly quality access must be provided as they are long behind Peninsular Malaysia.

"It would be very fair if the cancellation were put aside and the project was continued so that they could enjoy these infrastructure facilities", he said.

He said this when meeting with reporters after attending the Women Empowerment through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme during Open Day JELITA - 12 Hour Intensive Training at Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), today.

Commenting on the urge for the government to explain the reasons and details of the project's cancellation, Ahmad Zahid said the matter would be further elaborated by his ministry at committee discussion stage.

Yesterday, Ahmad Zahid revealed that some of the rural development projects in Sabah and Sarawak approved for 2026 have been cancelled after funds were not channelled, although allocations had already been made available.

He said the cancellation affected rural residents who were waiting for implementation of the project to improve infrastructure facilities in their area.

The revelation sparked protests from some Sabah and Sarawak MPs who urged the government to reconsider the decision. - TVS