Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak spent the whole of the last day of his working visit today in the middle of Sarawak to find out the progress on construction work packages on a land route between Kapit town, in the middle of the interior of Sarawak, with Kanowit which is located downstream.
He said the overall cost of the construction work of up to RM800 million showed how committed the government was in developing the rural areas in Sarawak by providing good access to the areas with the outside world.
According to Najib, it included several routes which were missing links, and bypasses which had already been identified to be implemented soon, which were expected to be fully completed in two-and-a-half years.
"The missing links and bypasses which cost RM150 million, I feel are much needed to link Kapit with the outside world via a land road access," he told a media conference after visiting the Kanowit Youth Carnival in Taman Muhibbah here today.
Earlier, he had visited the site of a road and bridge project across Sungai Kanowit here worth RM50 million, which are expected to be completed by the middle of next month.
Starting early in the morning, Najib visited towns on the fringes of the Sungai Rajang, starting in Kapit, about 128 km from Sibu town (in central Sarawak), before going upriver to Nangga Ngungun and Song town, befor ending his visit here.
He said that during his visit to Nangga Ngungun, a resettlement area at one time when the government was combating the communist threat, he found the area had not developed.
He immediately decided to approve the construction of a 20km road from Nangga Ngungun to Nangga Jagau to enable easier access to develop the area, at a cost of RM50 million, after hearing the request of the local community.
Najib said the people should realise that such accessibility projects could be implemented following the success of the government in implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
"All these the government can implement although in a global economy which is uncertain and challenging for us...for example, in terms of the significant drop in oil prices, but because of GST, it made it possible for us to implement numerous rural projects," he said.
"Without the GST, the Pan Borneo Highway could not have been implemented, not possible for this Jalan Kapit-Song-Kanowit to be carried out. We should not condemn the GST without realising its aim is to strengthen the government's financial position because only 10 per cent of working people are paying taxes, it is not enough to bring development especially to the rural areas," he added.
Najib then left for Sibu airport to return to the federal capital, ending his two-day working visit to Sarawak.
Bernama
Sun Mar 27 2016
He said that during his visit to Nangga Ngungun, a resettlement area at one time when the government was combating the communist threat, he found the area had not developed. - Bernama Photo
PM calls on people to prioritise national interest
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia should also serve as a model for strong racial unity.
Trump repeats tariffs threat to dissuade BRICS nations from replacing US dollar
Trump warns BRICS member countries from replacing the US dollar as a reserve currency by repeating a 100%-tariffs threat.
UN chief demands evacuation of 2,500 Gaza children at 'imminent risk' of death
The doctors said they are advocating for a centralised process for medical evacuations with clear guidelines.
US looking into whether DeepSeek used restricted AI chips, source says
Current restrictions on Nvidia artificial intelligence processors are meant to stop its most sophisticated chips from reaching China.
Number of evacuees continues to rise in flood-hit Sabah, Sarawak
In Sarawak, the number of evacuees rose to 9,398 from 2,725 families this morning.
Investigators find black boxes after deadly Washington plane crash, continue search for answers
Investigators recovered the so-called black boxes from the American Airlines Bombardier jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members.
Malaysia among nine nations to meet in The Hague over alleged Israeli law violations
Nations expected to plan "coordinated legal, economic, and diplomatic actions" to hold Israel accountable for violating international law.
Near-misses at Washington airport worried pilots well before fatal crash
In the moments before the crash, an air traffic controller can be heard on recordings asking the Army helicopter to pass behind the jet.
No clear reason yet for Washington air disaster that killed 67, officials say
NTSB has begun collecting wreckage, including portions of the helicopter, and is storing it at a hangar at Reagan National.
Where do the legal cases against Trump's executive orders stand?
Here is a look at the cases and where they stand.
Moments before deadly stampede at India's Maha Kumbh, devotees pleaded to open more routes
Police say the path leading to main bathing area is only 50 metres wide and barricaded on either side to avoid people spilling over.
Risk of violence escalates in Myanmar's civil war as junta flags elections
Myanmar's embattled ruling generals are making their most concerted effort to gain legitimacy - by pushing to hold another election.
UN rights chief seeks $500 million in 2025, warning that lives are at risk
The annual appeal is for funds beyond the allocated UN funds from member states' fees, which make up just a fraction of the office's needs.
Floods in Sabah, Sarawak: PM orders NADMA to strengthen federal, state response machinery
PM says the primary focus at this moment is the welfare of flood victims and ensuring the safety of people in the affected areas.
Millions of Hindus take "holy dip" a day after fatal stampede
Devotees take daily 'holy dips,' but on certain dates, "royal" dips are deemed more sacred, drawing larger crowds.
Trump orders agencies to scrub 'gender ideology' from contracts, websites
Federal agencies are required to "recognise women are biologically female, and men are biologically male."
US figure skaters were on board plane that crashed into Potomac River
US Figure Skating said athletes, coaches, and families returning from the National Development Camp were aboard the flight.
Disaster relief assets deployed to flood-affected areas in Sarawak - Ahmad Zahid
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that, so far, more than 50 relief centres have been activated to house flood victims in the state.
Air traffic controller audio captures moments before and after Washington plane crash
The crash caught on a webcam, shows the aircraft exploding in flames and plummeting to earth after it was struck by the helicopter.
Scores feared dead in Washington after jet collides with helicopter, crashes into river
Officials gave no death toll, but Senator Roger Marshall said most, if not all, aboard the Kansas-origin flight likely died in the crash.