BINTULU: The establishment of the Bintulu Rural Development Committee (BIRDCOM) is set to drive infrastructure development and improve coordination of rural projects in the region.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the initiative ensures development is more organised, inclusive and high-impact for the people.
According to Uggah, the state government has also taken proactive steps by agreeing to take over old logging roads to be upgraded for the use of residents.
“This approach is vital to ensure that rural communities continue to enjoy facilities on par with other areas,” he was quoted as saying in an UKAS report when officiating at the Sebauh 2026 Gawai Dayak Mantar Ceremony here recently.
Meanwhile, Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the implementation of BIRDCOM is in line with the efforts of other development agencies in expanding the basic infrastructure network.
According to Rundi, development proposals involving the areas of Tatau, Sebauh, Bintulu, and Samalaju have been submitted to meet the needs of the people.
“There are still many areas without roads, and it is estimated that approximately RM1.17 billion is required to develop road infrastructure in those areas,” he said.
He emphasised that the scale of these requirements reflects the significant challenges of rural development, which require comprehensive planning and phased implementation.
