Ewon: Rural development will continue
Published on: Monday, February 24, 2020
By: Clarence Dol
RANAU: The Sabah Rural Development Ministry (KPLB) will continue to undertake various rural development projects in the State by utilising existing financial provisions without waiting for implementation of the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12).
Minister Datuk Ewon Benedict said there are urgent needs for road infrastructure and clean water supply for rural folks, especially in the interior, which need to be given attention.
ADVERTISEMENT
“My ministry will continue to implement infrastructure projects for the benefit of the people by utilising existing financial allocations without waiting for the RMK12,” he said.
Ewon, who is also Kadamaian Assemblyman, said this when opening a new resort, Jasni Rijan (JR), in Kg Pinausuk, here.
The JR Resort, built on a six-acre site at the foothills of Pinausuk with Mount Kinabalu view as its main attraction, provides accommodation with a capacity of 26 affordable rental rooms.
Ewon said the ministry has and will continue to implement infrastructure projects for the benefit of the rural community in areas that are still under development such as Kota Marudu, Ranau and Pensiangan.
ADVERTISEMENT
“My ministry will never practise favouritism when distributing development allocations. We are prioritising rural infrastructure projects based on dire needs on a limited allocation for the benefit of the rural community,” he said.
According to him, the KPLB will apply for financial assistance from the Federal Government as allocations of only RM4.5 million and RM11.9 million in 2019 were not enough as the ministry had received rural applications requiring allocations of up to RM60 million.
ADVERTISEMENT
He said the KPLB had applied for another RM10 million allocation from the Federal Government to carry out projects needed by residents, especially those in Ranau and Kundasang, who have been experiencing road and water problems since the major earthquake in 2015.
“We are aware that Ranau and Kundasang areas are one of the most important tourist destinations in Malaysia, especially Sabah, so the supply of clean water and proper roads are necessary,” he added.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
