KOTA KINABALU: Pulau Banggi is set to receive RM31mil in special allocation to drive development on the island, following a visit by the Prime Minister.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the special allocation was to ensure residents of Malaysia’s largest island are not left out of national development agendas.
He said the projects included upgrading of roads and bridges in Kampung Limbuak Laut, Kapitangan, Damaran and Bayangan Laut, and improvements to the Pulau Banggi police station and health facilities at Karakit health clinic.
Anwar also listed upgrading projects for school dormitories on Pulau Banggi and Pulau Balambangan, the implementation of projects related to national security and defence, and upgrading the Karakit public jetty as among those to be carried out.
In his speech, the Prime Minister said he wants Pulau Banggi to be an example of the government’s responsibility and commitment where the people, regardless of whether they were poor or rich, would not be sidelined.
On land transportation and infrastructure, he said upgrading of Jalan Kampung Limbuak Laut to Kampung Pengkalan Darat is now ongoing with a cost of almost RM44mil.
“The project is important because a good road access can open up more economic, education and health access to the rural folks of this island,” he said.
Anwar also announced an additional allocation of RM1.25mil which will be coordinated by agencies under the Office of the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs).
This funding will benefit Pulau Banggi’s community through programmes related to education, operations, healthcare, human capital development and green technology.
He also approved a RM1mil funding to upgrade the jetty in Kg Dogoton.
Anwar assured the people they will not be left out of development and that the government will continue to carry out its responsibilities for the people.
