MUKAH – Rural residents in Balingian are set to benefit from three newly completed projects under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP), reflecting Sarawak’s ongoing efforts to improve basic infrastructure across its constituencies.
The projects, implemented by the Mukah Division Public Works Department, were officially handed over to local tribal chiefs in a ceremony attended by Che Ghazali Arbi, Special Officer at the Balingian Service Centre, representing Assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi.
The completed works include:
- New culvert construction along Jalan Klinik Kuala Balingian, carried out by Mudajaya Enterprise.
- Culvert repair at Kampung Penipah Multipurpose Hall, undertaken by AZ Enterprise.
- Road upgrades to residential homes in Kampung Tutus Hilir, implemented by Delima Jaya Enterprise.
All three projects were completed ahead of schedule, underscoring the efficiency of the contractors and the commitment of the Sarawak Government to rural development.
Local leaders expressed gratitude for the improvements. Ismail Akup, Chief of Kuala Balingian, thanked the government and contractors for their cooperation, while also voicing hopes that the road leading to the clinic could be fully upgraded in the future to ease access to healthcare services.
Julaihi Drahman, Chief of Kampung Penipah, highlighted the benefits of the culvert repair for community activities, noting that the project would greatly support villagers in their daily lives.
Meanwhile, Zaffarin Bohari, Chief of Kampung Tutus Hilir, praised the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, acknowledging his consistent attention to rural needs. He emphasised that the upgraded roads not only improved connectivity but also enhanced the comfort and well-being of residents.
The RTP initiative has been a cornerstone of Sarawak’s rural development strategy since its introduction in 2015. According to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, more than 7,300 RTP projects have been approved across Sarawak, with over 5,500 completed to date. In Mukah Division alone, projects worth RM4.23 billion are currently underway, focusing on infrastructure and utilities.
For Balingian, these latest completions represent tangible progress in bridging the rural-urban divide. The projects demonstrate how targeted investments in culverts, roads, and community facilities can significantly improve daily life for villagers, while reinforcing Sarawak’s broader vision of inclusive development under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
