KUCHING: The federal government is currently assessing how it can step in to assist Sarawak in restoring damaged infrastructure caused by the recent floods in the state.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said many roads and slopes have been severely affected, which will require substantial allocations for repairs.
“Some allocations have already been provided to the state through the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and other channels.
“We have also received requests from the state government today, and we are looking into how we can assist.
“However, we still need to coordinate with the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Finance to secure funding,” he said after he and his deputy, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan paid a courtesy call to the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Wisma Bapa Malaysia on Tuesday (Feb 11).
Accompanied by Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Azman Ibrahim they also paid courtesy visits to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan at Wisma Sumber Alam and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at Wisma Bapa Malaysia.
Nanta, who is also Kapit MP said the issue was also discussed during the meetings with Abang Johari, Awang Tengah and Uggah.
“The purpose of these visits was to inform them of our presence in Kuching, representing the Ministry of Works, alongside PWD, PWD Sarawak, and PWD Sabah where we are holding a two-day collaboration session.
“This is crucial as it provides an opportunity to discuss various issues, especially challenges or projects that may not have been executed as planned, including delays. The goal is to find solutions, gather input from all parties, exchange ideas, and determine the way forward,” he said.
He added the discussion is timely as the country is at the end of the 5th Rolling Plan under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), and next year will mark the beginning of the 13MP.
“We aim to align the projects needed by both Sabah and Sarawak and prioritise them accordingly,” he said.
During the meeting, Nanta said inputs were provided on the project implementation and funding applications including requests to the Ministry of Economy and other relevant ministries.
“At the same time, we also presented details of approved projects, ongoing projects, pre-implementation projects and extension projects.
“We provided a complete picture of projects under the Malaysian Plan up to the present specifically under the fifth Rolling Plan under the 12MP.
“These projects include extensive infrastructure development, such as roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals,” he said.
