KUCHING: The Sarawak government has approved allocations totalling RM353mil to develop the Kapit division, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Sarawak Premier said this included RM190mil to upgrade roads in Kapit town.
“Kapit has been developing rapidly since the completion of the road from Sibu and is now experiencing traffic jams, indicating that the people’s income has increased.
“We have approved RM190mil to widen roads in Kapit. We may also instal smart traffic lights for better traffic regulation,” he said after attending the state-level official birthday celebration for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in Kapit yesterday.Located on the Rajang River, Kapit town is the administrative centre of Kapit division in central Sarawak, the largest of the state’s 12 administrative divisions.
The town was previously accessible only by river but is now linked to Sibu by a 110km road that was completed in 2020.
Abang Johari also said RM53mil would be allocated to connect the electricity grid from Kapit to Tunoh, covering a distance of 35km.
This will support development plans for the Tunoh area.
In addition, RM2mil has been approved to improve the facilities at Lily Pond in Kapit for tourists.
In his speech earlier, Abang Johari said the state government was targeting annual economic growth of 6%-8% under its post-Covid development strategy (PCDS) towards 2030.
He said this was to ensure the state’s economy would continue to grow towards high-income status.
“We want Sarawak to remain peaceful and prosperous and to continue progressing.
“As one of the regions which formed Malaysia, we will remain a part of Malaysia and develop as enshrined in the Constitution and Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“We will implement initiatives under PCDS so that the people can enjoy economic benefits,” he said.
Abang Johari also extended birthday greetings to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on behalf of Sarawakians.
He expressed appreciation to the King and Queen for making several visits to the state this year.
“This shows that their Majesties care about the people of Sarawak,” he said.