SARIKEI: A total of 90 development projects under the Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA) worth RM1.52 billion that have been approved are now on track and are expected to be fully completed by 2028.

Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh said that for 2025, two small-scale projects worth RM5 million and RM6 million in Dalat have been implemented, while another six projects worth RM89.2 million are going through the tender process and by the fourth quarter of this year, a total of 23 additional projects worth RM498.9 million will be tendered.

The RADDA Chairman added that for 2026, 26 more projects worth RM467.73 million will go through the tender process in the first quarter of 2026 while 27 more projects in the second quarter worth RM366 million and in the third quarter, three projects will be tendered with a value of RM37 million, while the remaining four projects worth RM56 million will be tendered by 2027.

“By 2026, almost all 90 projects under RADDA will be tendered and this means that some of the projects will be completed within 12 to 36 months and if implemented, all are expected to be completed by 2028,” he said.

He said this to reporters after chairing the RADDA Development Agency Steering Committee meeting No. 2/2025 at the Sarikei Division Resident’s Office on Thursday.

According to Datuk Len Talif, the implementation of all projects under RADDA is progressing well despite some delays due to factors beyond control.

The Kuala Rajang Assemblyman also stressed that the close cooperation between members of the Steering Committee, elected representatives and implementing agencies has ensured that RADDA's journey remains smooth and meets its goals.

He expressed hope that all agencies involved in the implementation of RADDA’s projects will play their role in ensuring that the projects run smoothly according to the schedule and its set cost.

Datuk Len Talif also explained that projects under RADDA focus on the development of basic infrastructure such as roads, clean water supply systems, river erosion guide bunds and the development of industrial areas.

He said that RADDA's effectiveness is seen as more comprehensive than other agencies because it involves implementation in several parts at once, involving the cooperation of various parties including members of Parliament and Sarawak Assemblymen.

In terms of community involvement, he explained that the concept of implementing the RADDA project is based on a bottom-up approach, which is based on the people's applications and needs submitted through their respective elected representatives.

He said that this approach allows the projects implemented to truly meet the needs of the community, thus ensuring that each initiative directly benefits the local residents. -UKASnews