THE state government has been urged to fast-track development projects under the Mid Rajang Regional Development Agency (MiRRDA) to boost socioeconomic growth and improve livelihoods in the Kanowit and Selangau areas.
Ngemah assemblyman, Anyi Jana, said that although MiRRDA was officially established in July 2023 to formulate development plans for the central Rajang region, projects under the agency have yet to commence.
He said the main objective of establishing MiRRDA is to improve the socioeconomic status of residents and eradicate poverty in the region.
“Therefore, we hope the government will give attention and approve allocations for proposed development projects in the MiRRDA area so that they can benefit the people in line with the agency’s objectives.
“The implementation of high-impact projects such as oil palm plantations, coffee plantations, and the construction of a good road network will certainly improve the socioeconomic conditions of residents in the MiRRDA area,” he said.
He said this in his debate speech on the motion of appreciation to the Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s address at the DUN Sitting today.
Anyi also highlighted the urgent need for development in the three RASCOM Resettlement Schemes (SPS) in the Ngemah constituency – SPS Nanga Jagau, SPS Nanga Ngungun and SPS Nanga Tada – which were established in 1972.
He said that the settlements were created to curb communist threats and safeguard the safety of residents at the time, but now require renewed attention as the areas have entered the third generation of residents.
He proposed that the government consider granting land titles to longhouse residents in the three SPS areas, in addition to opening up new settlement areas as the existing settlements are becoming overcrowded.
“Repair and upgrading works for longhouses should also be carried out, including replacing leaking roofs, rewiring electrical systems, and replacing old water pipes.
“Besides that, SPS areas should also be developed with economic activities capable of increasing the income and living standards of residents,” he said.
