THE Sarawak Government is urged to expedite essential infrastructure upgrades and give precedence to the full implementation of the Mid Rajang Regional Development Agency (MiRRDA), acknowledging its pivotal role in advancing the socioeconomic development of rural communities in central Sarawak.
Speaking in support of the motion of appreciation to the Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, during the State Legislative Assembly sitting today, Ngemah Assemblyman, Anyi Jana, expressed concern over several long-overdue roadworks and transport projects in his constituency which remain incomplete or delayed.
Among the infrastructure projects he identified were the Ram Sedaya ferry service and roadworks such as Jalan Nibong-Tada, Jalan Simpang Sedaya Lama, Jalan Batu Luking, and the access roads to Nanga Jagau, Nanga Ngemah and SPS Nanga Ngungun.
“These projects are critical. Poor road conditions and limited connectivity continue to hamper daily life and economic opportunities for rural residents,” he said.
Anyi also reiterated the importance of accelerating the implementation of MiRRDA, which was officially established by the Sarawak Government in July 2023 to formulate a comprehensive development plan for the Mid Rajang region, particularly targeting the Kanowit and Selangau parliamentary constituencies.
“The agency’s core objective is to uplift the socioeconomic status of residents and eradicate poverty across the Mid Rajang region,” he said.
As part of MiRRDA’s initial groundwork, a strategic development workshop was held from June 10 to 12, 2024, bringing together elected representatives from Kanowit and Selangau, federal and state agencies, community leaders, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to identify potential development proposals across constituencies including Ngemah, Machan, Tamin and Kakus.
However, Anyi lamented that the proposed MiRRDA development plans have yet to be implemented.
He urged the Sarawak Government to give serious attention and approve the necessary budget allocations for these development projects so that they can benefit the local communities in line with MiRRDA’s founding objectives.
“The implementation of high-impact projects such as the establishment of oil palm plantations, coffee plantations, and the construction of reliable road networks will certainly enhance the socio-economic status of residents in the MiRRDA region,” he said.
