KUDAT, Aug 8 (Bernama) -- The federal government has allocated RM4.06 billion to the Sabah state government to finance the implementation of Rural Water Supply (BALB) projects throughout the state, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid said the funding of the BALB projects, which are implemented directly by the state government, aims to ensure that the issue of clean water supply in Sabah's rural and outlying areas can be addressed comprehensively.
"The main problem in Sabah is the supply of clean water and electricity; it is my responsibility as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development to resolve this matter, especially in rural and outlying areas. I have requested the allocation from the Cabinet for this matter.
"This effort is important because development is the right of all Malaysians, whether in Sabah, Sarawak or the Peninsula," he said when opening the Rungus Cultural Festival in Matunggong here today.
Also present were Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, Momogun Rungus Malaysia Organisation president Datuk Wetrom Bahanda, who is also the Kota Marudu Member of Parliament, and Kudat MP Datuk Verdon Bahanda.
Ahmad Zahid said the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) will continue to monitor and provide technical support to ensure that the implementation of the BALB projects proceeds according to schedule.
"The allocation will be channelled mainly to rural areas, including Kudat, Kota Marudu and Pitas, which are among the poorest districts in Malaysia," he said.
He said the federal government places special focus on basic infrastructure development and efforts to eradicate hardcore poverty in Sabah's rural areas for the well-being of the people in the state.
"This commitment is implemented through the channelling of various development allocations, including rural water and electricity supply projects, particularly in areas categorised as hardcore poor," he said.
He explained that various socioeconomic initiatives are also being planned and continuously implemented to help improve the standard of living and income of families in the B40 group in rural areas.
Ahmad Zahid gave an assurance that KKDW will continue to work closely with the Sabah government to monitor the implementation of every development project so that its impact can be felt directly by the local community.
Meanwhile, he expressed his full support for efforts to upgrade the Matunggong Sub-District to a full district, and will discuss the matter with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and the Cabinet.
"The upgrading of Matunggong is seen as important to enable the district to receive more specific development allocations from the federal and state governments," he said.
He also directed the agencies involved, particularly under KKDW, to commence repair works on the Community Hall in Matunggong within three months from now for the convenience of the local community.
-- BERNAMA