SEMOP: Residents in the Semop constituency have received development allocations totalling approximately RM5.5 million, involving contributions under the Minor Rural Project (MRP) fund as well as the implementation of projects through the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP).

The allocations were presented by Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol during his two-day working visit to several areas in the constituency.

According to the Semop Assemblyman, RM846,000 in MRP funds has been channelled to 20 recipients, of which RM671,000 has been allocated for the implementation of various small-scale rural public facility projects including the construction of parking lots, jetty repairs, as well as the construction and upgrading of village roads, mosques and community halls.

A further RM175,000 has been allocated for community activities and school programmes.

Additionally, 18 RTP projects worth RM4.65 million are set to commence early this year to enhance the wellbeing of rural residents in his constituency.

Meanwhile, Datuk Abdullah stressed the importance of good governance at the grassroots level, reminding all Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) leaders to manage the allocations responsibly, prudently and transparently.

Commenting on rural development, he said the Sarawak Government’s commitment is evident with over 60 per cent, or about RM6 billion, of the state’s development budget allocated to rural areas.

“The construction of 16 bridges worth more than RM6 billion, either completed or currently under construction, is also being carried out in coastal areas.

“All of this can be achieved when our leaders manage development planning and state revenue wisely.

“Political stability and racial unity are, of course, also crucial factors,” he told reporters on Thursday.

His working visit covered four main locations, namely Tekajong, Sedi, Serdeng and longhouses along Sungai Sian, and was attended by 20 community leaders and village heads (KMKK), 20 Tuai Rumah, four Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) representatives, four associations, two mosque representatives and local residents. -UKASnews