Matunggong: The federal government has allocated RM4.06 billion to the Sabah state government to finance the implementation of Rural Water Supply (BALB) projects throughout the state, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid stated that the funding of the BALB projects, which are implemented directly by the state government, aims to comprehensively address the issue of clean water supply in Sabah's rural and outlying areas. He emphasized his responsibility as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development to resolve the challenges related to the supply of clean water and electricity, especially in rural and outlying areas. This allocation request was made to the Cabinet to ensure development reaches all Malaysians, including those in Sabah, Sarawak, and the Peninsula.
The Deputy Prime Minister made these remarks while opening the Rungus Cultural Festival in Matunggong. Also present were Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, Momogun Rungus Malaysia Organisation president Datuk Wetrom Bahanda, and Kudat MP Datuk Verdon Bahanda.
Ahmad Zahid highlighted that the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) will continue to monitor and provide technical support for the BALB projects to ensure they proceed according to schedule. The allocation will primarily benefit rural areas such as Kudat, Kota Marudu, and Pitas, which are among the poorest districts in Malaysia.
The federal government is focusing on basic infrastructure development and efforts to eradicate hardcore poverty in Sabah's rural areas for the well-being of the state's residents. This commitment involves allocating resources for various development projects, including rural water and electricity supply, particularly in areas identified as hardcore poor.
He further explained that socioeconomic initiatives are being planned and implemented continuously to improve the standard of living and income for families within the B40 group in rural areas. Ahmad Zahid assured that KKDW will maintain a close partnership with the Sabah government to monitor the progress of development projects, ensuring their direct impact on the local community.
Moreover, Ahmad Zahid expressed full support for upgrading the Matunggong Sub-District to a full district and will discuss this with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and the Cabinet. Upgrading Matunggong is seen as crucial for enabling the district to receive more specific development allocations from both federal and state governments.
He also instructed relevant agencies, particularly those under KKDW, to begin repair works on the Community Hall in Matunggong within three months for the convenience of the local community.