The State Budget 2023 invested 60 per cent or RM4.5 billion out of RM7.5 billion in rural development.
This was said by the YB Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas who is the Second Minster for Finance and New Economy and also the Minster for Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) in his winding up speech during the DUN sitting in November 2022.
“This includes fast-tracking infrastructure development in rural areas and eradicating the remnants of poverty towards uplifting the livelihoods of the rural population in Sarawak. With this generous budget, we will be on track to achieve our goal of being a developed State by 2030,” he said.
Rural connectivity
In his winding up speech, YB Datuk Amar Douglas said that rural connectivity is of paramount importance for Sarawak, as it paves the way for new growth opportunities and improves the socioeconomic wellbeing of the people through better healthcare, education, agriculture and various economic activities.
Following a lab conducted in early 2022, a database on rural connectivity was established where it was found that a total of 5,833 or 94 per cent out of 6,214 registered settlements in rural areas are connected by road.
“In order to achieve 100 per cent connectivity, we need to construct a total length of about 1,200 km of new roads to connect the remaining 381 settlements,”
“My Ministry together with JKR will continue to improve the provision of basic infrastructure for the rural population,” he said.
Road connectivity in Sarawak
By 2030, MIPD strive to complete comprehensive planning of rural roads towards connecting all settlements that are yet to be connected by 2030.
Port connectivity
MIPD is also committed in prioritizing the development of ports in Sarawak to ensure port connectivity with different countries and regions, hence enabling trade and support supply chains.
As part of the Borneo Island, port is an essential element in Sarawak as a transportation system that supports the region’s economy where incoming and outgoing goods rely on it.
“Up to the third quarter of 2022, Sarawak’s port authorities had registered a total throughput of 17.01 million tonnes, an increase of 8.8 per cent as compared to the 15.63 million tonnes registered in the same period in 2021,” said YB Datuk Amar Douglas.
For port development, the Ports Master Plan Study is implemented this year with Miri Port Authority (MPA) being selected as the pioneer.
As highlighted under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), the study is implemented to improve the efficiency of the ports in Sarawak, where the key outcomes include 50 per cent increase in port capacity and 25 per cent reduction in emission from ports operations.
With an allocation of RM4 million, the study seeks to improve and enhance the efficiency of port services, port security through the installation of Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS), Aids to Navigation (AtoN) facility, crane, dredging works, and exploring new business opportunities.
The study also includes the possibility of addressing the issue of shallow draught at the Kuala Baram access channel.
Early this year, MPA has received approval for its project to deepen the Kuala Baram access channel.
Aside from that, the Sarawak government expressed their hope to take back Bintulu Port from the Federal Government as part of strategies for the overall development of ports in the state.
This is in line with the Sarawak’s government strategic policy to streamline the administration of all ports in Sarawak with Bintulu Port being part of a cluster of state ports under a Central Port Authority to be incorporated by state law.
The new Central Port Authority would streamline and coordinate the management, operation, planning and development of all ports in Sarawak, thus ensure harmonisation of port tariffs and dues for all ports in Sarawak.
In addition to this, it was also mentioned during the DUN sitting thatan allocation of RM70 million has been approved to supply, install and commission quay cranes for the Kuching Port Authority (KPA), in order to improve its container-handling performance.
During the DUN sitting, it was noted that RM30.5 million has been allocated to VTMS which was at that time 84 per cent developed.
“Once completed and scheduled for commissioning in the first quarter of 2023, this system will enable KPA to manage and enhance the navigational safety of ships using the port. RM56.9 million has recently been awarded for the proposed construction of the KPA vehicle yard and associated facilities at the Senari Terminal,” said YB Datuk Amar Douglas.
For Tanjung Manis Port, RM39.4 million was allocated for the Aids to Navigation (AtoN) Project which at that time was 90 per cent completed and is expected to be commissioned by the first quarter of 2023.
Upon completion, this system will improve navigational capacity of the port provide weather and tidal information, and control marine traffic flow from Kuala Rajang to Tanjung Manis.
Aside from that, Tunoh shows the potential to be developed as an inland port hub linking the central region of Sarawak and Kalimantan, Indonesia. A preliminary market studies will be carried out to determine its viability.
“The said initiatives affirmed our Sarawak Government’s commitment to modernize port infrastructure, facilities and navigational safety in driving Sarawak’s economic growth,”
“These will boost port users’ confidence and subsequently enhance productivity, efficiency and profitability of our ports,” said YB Datuk Amar Douglas.
