KUDAT: The Federal government has allocated RM4.06bil to implement rural water supply projects throughout Sabah, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the funding, implemented directly by the state government, is to ensure that Sabah's rural and outlying areas will have supply of clean water.
"The main problem in Sabah is the supply of clean water and electricity; it is my responsibility as Rural and Regional Development Minister to resolve this matter, especially in rural and outlying areas. I have requested the allocation from the Cabinet for this.
"This is important because development is the right of all Malaysians, whether in Sabah, Sarawak or the Peninsula," he said when opening the Rungus Cultural Festival in Matunggong here on Saturday (Aug 8).
Also present were Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, Momogun Rungus Malaysia Organisation president Datuk Wetrom Bahanda, who is also the Kota Marudu MP and Kudat MP Datuk Verdon Bahanda.
Ahmad Zahid said the Rural and Regional Development Ministry would continue to monitor and provide technical support to ensure that the implementation of rural water supply proceeds according to schedule.
"The allocation will be channelled mainly to rural areas, including Kudat, Kota Marudu and Pitas, which are among the poorest districts in Malaysia," he said.
He said the Federal government places special focus on basic infrastructure development and efforts to eradicate hardcore poverty in Sabah's rural areas for the well-being of the people in the state.
"This commitment is implemented through the channelling of various development allocations, including rural water and electricity supply projects, particularly in areas categorised as hardcore poor," he said.
He explained that various socio-economic initiatives are also being planned and continuously implemented to help improve the standard of living and income of families in the B40 group in rural areas.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid also said he fully supported efforts to upgrade the Matunggong sub-district to a full district and would discuss this with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and the Cabinet.
"Upgrading Matunggong is important for the district to receive more specific development allocations from the Federal and state governments," he said. – Bernama
