PADAWAN: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) will adopt a comprehensive approach to accelerate development and improve the wellbeing of the people, says Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
He said the upcoming national plan, which includes substantial allocations for education and other critical sectors, reflects a holistic strategy that goes beyond addressing isolated needs.
“For the Works Ministry, our responsibility is to intensify the development of infrastructure nationwide.
“Roads, for example, are like arteries in the human body. Without good road connectivity, it becomes very difficult to ensure the rest of the system functions well,” he told a press conference after officiating the handover ceremony for two completed school projects at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Rantau Panjang here today (Aug 2).
Nanta stressed that rural education access, in particular, depends heavily on proper infrastructure.
He explained that while some projects fall under other ministries, the implementation is often led by the Public Works Department (PWD) under the Works Ministry.
“If there are no roads, how will students in rural areas get to school? That’s why for us at the Works Ministry, construction is the foundation of development.
“Even if the projects are awarded to contractors, PWD still handles the supervision. The same applies to other types of infrastructure,” he added.
On the long-awaited road project connecting Nanga Serau in Song to Nanga Seranau in Kapit, Nanta welcomed its inclusion in 13MP.
The Kapit MP said the proposed 70-kilometre road is expected to benefit nearly 10,000 residents along the Batang Rajang River.
“Although I can’t say when it will be completed as it involves a lot of preliminary work, we are pleased that it is clearly included in 13MP.
“There are many settlements along that stretch—villages, longhouses, schools, and even clinics. Once completed, the road will bring tremendous impact to the community there,” he said.
