BN to continue developing, transforming rural areas

Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili, who is also Kota Marudu Member of Parliament, said the provision of basic infrastructure was crucial for transformation and this could only be provided by the BN government.

"The opposition-held areas will lag behind in progress unless the people change their mentality and cooperate with the government to ensure development plans for the area are successful" he said when launching the new modern and semi-concrete 20-door Kampung Rita longhouse in Matunggong, near here on Saturday.

The longhouse was built at a cost of RM1.2 million to replace the old one which was dilapidated in order to ensure its residents would have better and more comfortable living conditions with basic amenities.

Ongkili also said the government planned to build 20 more longhouses over the next five years in Matunggong, eventhough it is under the opposition.

"This is possible through approved allocation by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who has been very attentive to the needs of the rural people despite there being many applications for allocations to rebuild homes in other constituencies and Matunggong being an Opposition seat," he said.

However, Ongkili said the development plans would not be realised and effective if the people persisted on being swayed by the opposition or the local community would be further left behind economically by their own doing.

Kampung Rita longhouse is the sixth longhouse rebuilt to replace the original dilapidated longhouse that had been completed and launched within the past three years in Matunggong.

Another 12 longhouses are in various stages of construction with funds from the Prime Ministers Department.