KUCHING: Batu Kitang assemblyman, Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, has defended the Sarawak Government over the Batang Lupar Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA) issue, urging critics to reveal the full history behind the RM950-million allocation controversy.
He said the issue should not be reduced to political accusations alone, as the people deserved to understand what actually happened after the 2018 federal government transition under Pakatan Harapan (PH).
Lo said only about RM500 million of the widely mentioned RM950-million allocation was genuinely promised by the federal government during that period.
“Even Bukit Begunan assemblyman, Datuk Mong Dagang, had publicly urged the federal government to continue funding the Batang Lupar IADA and granary project after development stalled following the 2018 change of government,” he said.
He said this at a press conference held at the Media Room, State Legislative Assembly building, today (May 15).
He added that the Batang Lupar granary project involved approximately 5,000 hectares covering Entulang, Seduku, Gran/Stumbin/Tanjong Bijat, Lingga-Banting and IADA Batang Lupar, including irrigation systems and pump stations.
According to Lo, development activities stopped after PH took over Putrajaya in 2018, causing funding disruptions which severely affected cultivation progress within the planned agricultural development area.
“By 2023, only 196 hectares were under cultivation. That is the reality which should also be explained whenever this RM950-million issue is raised publicly,” he stressed.
Lo also criticised PH’s previous administration for allegedly failing to fulfil major promises made to Sarawak, including commitments involving rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), healthcare, education and tax revenue returns.
He claimed several infrastructure projects were either delayed, frozen or restructured during that period, including the Pan Borneo Highway and major bridge developments across Sarawak such as Batang Lupar and Batang Rambungan.
“Development became politicised during that dark period. Fortunately, the Sarawak Government under our Premier stepped in using state funds so the rakyat would not continue suffering,” he added.
Lo said Sarawak had since completed 894 kilometres of roads and 17 bridges using its own funds, while continuing long-term food security initiatives, including padi expansion projects in Limbang and Lawas.
