GPS-Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau has suggested for the state government to consider reviewing the current allocation of Rural Transformation Programmes (RTPs).
He proposed for the allocation to be given by categorising constituency into urban, semi-urban and very rural constituency categories.
Describing RTP as only done in Sarawak as initiative, he said it is considered as his ‘Moses Stick’ as it had proven to be an effective way to serving the basic needs of constituents especially at the very-very remote constituencies such as Telang Usan.
“For very rural constituencies like Telang Usan and Mulu, RTP helped us in many ways to deliver and fulfil gradually the requests for rakyat projects in our area. It has changed the landscape at longhouses and other settlements.
“Despite the yearly allocation, however there are many that still need to be done as requests for basic infrastructure and amenities keep on coming from the local community leaders.
“I am sure that all GPS constituencies need RTP allocation to serve the needs of their respective constituency, but it is never enough. Some constituencies are fortunate to have support from other ministries or agencies, but for the very-very rural constituencies we do not have the luxury and this situation is pressing for us,” he said.
He said this during a debate in support of the Supply Bill (2023) and motion to refer the Resolution of the Development Expenditure Budget for 2023 the fifth day of the 19th State Legislative Assembly (DUN) session today.
Dennis expressed hope for the suggestion to review RTP allocation to augur well with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and the state government’s desire to develop Sarawak at a faster pace of development.
“I believe there is a ministry or an agency in the state that does have some kind of formula to identify the locality of the three said categories,” he said.
At the same time, he appealed to the Ministry of Works to come up with a formula to address the long outstanding issues and challenges frequently faced with regards to ulu roads especially junctions to longhouse roads which were built by logging companies.
He said however these have since been abandoned when the companies move their operation away or close down completely.
“I urge implementing agencies to care for the point I have raised especially in emergency and pressing situations,” he pointed out.
