Rural folk won’t pay more

KUCHING: The Federal Government has allocated RM200mil to implement the price standardisation programme for essential goods this year, says the Prime Minister.

Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said he was aware of the significant price differences between urban and rural areas in six states, including Sarawak.

“The price standardisation programme will allow rural residents to obtain seven essential items at the same price as in urban areas.

“The items are sugar, flour, palm cooking oil, white rice, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), RON95 petrol and diesel,” he said when closing the Jelajah Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia event at the Celebration Square in Petra Jaya here yesterday.

Ismail Sabri also said the Federal Government would continue to prioritise development in Sarawak.

For example, RM4.55bil in development funds has been allocated to Sarawak under the second rolling plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan.

Locals delight: Ismail Sabri, Abang Johari and other dignitaries enjoying a taste of local food at the Jelajah Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia event in Kuching. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star

He 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.

Improvements will be made to 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 96.35km 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 and laptops to five B40 students from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.