Photo: Bernama
KUCHING: The Federal Government will continue to prioritise development in Sarawak through the allocation of funds and projects, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
The Prime Minister said the government had provided RM4.55bil in development funds to the state under the second rolling plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan this year.
He also said RM5.77bil was allocated under the 12th Malaysia Plan to develop and upgrade schools and educational institutions in Sarawak.
"Of 409 projects, 111 have been completed and 109 are being implemented, while 189 projects are at the pre-construction stage," he said when closing the Jelajah Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia event at Celebration Square in Petra Jaya here on Sunday (Aug 7).
Ismail Sabri said RM2.16bil was also allocated for 361 projects to rebuild and upgrade dilapidated schools in Sarawak.
He said 203 projects had been completed, while 68 were in progress and the rest in pre-construction.
Ismail Sabri also said the government would proceed with Phase 2 of the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR) project, which will connect Miri to Limbang and Lawas without going through Brunei.
"Phase 2 of the SSLR from Simpang Gelugus to Long Lopeng in Lawas will connect Mulu to Long Merarap at a cost of RM7.68bil, covering a distance of 326km.
"Construction is expected to start early next year," he said.
In addition, Ismail Sabri said the government would improve the existing road network from Miri to Limbang and Lawas through Brunei under the Trans Borneo Highway project.
He said this would involve upgrading works on 96.351km of roads over three years at a cost of RM2.93bil.
"This will boost local socioeconomic development, just as the Pan Borneo Highway has had a positive impact on traders at the Bekenu Junction market," he said.
At the event, Ismail Sabri handed over financial assistance under Yayasan Keluarga Malaysia to nine young Sarawakians who had lost their parents due to Covid-19.
He also presented laptops to five B40 students from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.
