THE instant allocation of RM 500 million for a vital new road project in Kapit as announced by the prime minister will benefit tens of thousands of natives and transform the socio-economic landscape of this remote central Sarawak region, said Senator Abun Sui Anyit.
The new road will connect dozens of remote populated longhouses with Kapit town, he told The Vibes.
"It was indeed a sweet surprise for the whole Kapit population that PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim approved the allocation for the new road project during his visit to Kapit recently.
"That new road will not only link dozens of longhouses on the left side of the Rajang River and connect them to Kapit town but will create plenty of economic opportunities in agriculture and even tourism," he said.
Abun, who is from Sarawak PKR, said Anwar is making good his promises that his Madani Government will give attention to the rural poor.
During his visit, Anwar had said the Federal Government will make sure greater efforts are undertaken to narrow the vast urban-rural disparities in Sarawak.
He said there is still a vast difference between the standard of life in rural areas compared to urban areas.
The prime minister noted basic amenities like roads and bridges are still in bad shape in rural Sarawak.
"The Federal Government is concerned about rural folks.
"That is why we spent RM16 billion to construct the Pan Borneo Highway in Sarawak.
"That is why we do not charge tolls in Sarawak," he said.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said billions of federal money will continue to be channelled into Sarawak and Sabah yearly for the needs of the people. - October 2, 2024