KOTA MARUDU, April 26 – The people of Sabah and Sarawak have the best chance of experiencing transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who has their best interest at heart. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said Najib had a soft heart for the people of Sabah and Sarawak and wanted to see them enjoying development like in other states.
“The prime minister has given special attention to the development needs of Sabah and Sarawak as his stand is that, we must development alongside with the other states before Malaysia can attain a developed-nation status” He said this at the the ground-breaking ceremony for the upgrading and sealing work at Jalan Sikuati-Marabau in the Matunggong sub-district, here, today.
Ongkili pointed out that the Barisan Nasional (BN) government in its election manifesto had pledged to build a 2,300km Pan Borneo highway connecting Sarawak and Sabah, besides 2,500 km of sealed roads in Sabah and 2,800 km in Sarawak, as well as providing electricity supply to 60,000 homes in Sabah and 80,000 in Sarawak.
“The BN government’s aim to provide clean water supply to 320,000 homes throughout the country will also benefit Sabah.
“I will raise the needs of the people in the Kota Marudu constituency to ensure the infrastructure projects also include Kota Marudu,” Ongkili, who is defending his Kota Marudu seat, told the people.
However, he said it was up to the people to make a wise choice in the upcoming polls and ensure continuity of the BN administration in order for more development to take place. On the upgrading of the Sikuati-Marabau gravel road, he said it was the ongoing effort of the government to ensure the improvement of rural infrastructure, including in Matunggong.
The first phase of the project involves a 2.4km stretch at a cost of RM3million. The road upgrade will benefit 5,000 people living in the area as well as boost the ongoing agricultural activities such as coconut and oil palm plantations and village farming. Government agricultural development programmes being carried out there also include a honey farm, rattan furniture industry and the Borneo Honey Bee Centre honey processing plant.
“With the upgrading of the road, marketing of small and medium industry products will also be boosted as there will be better transportation of agricultural produce, thus increasing the income of the local community,” he said.
BERNAMA
