(Lawas, 6th) To strengthen governance and systematic supervision of development projects implemented by Sarawak's Regional Development Agencies (RDA), Deputy Minister of the Sarawak Prime Minister's Department (in charge of RDA project coordination, Kuching North City Hall, and Islamic Affairs), Dato Abdul Rahman Junaidi, announced the establishment of a 'special committee' to fully coordinate and supervise the implementation of regional development projects.
He stated that the committee will be chaired by him personally, with members including all RDA units, as well as relevant central and state technical agencies such as the Sarawak State Economic Planning Unit (EPU), Sarawak State Implementation Monitoring Unit (SIMU), various relevant departments and technical agency representatives.
'This initiative is to ensure the project implementation coordination and reporting procedures are more systematic and can quickly respond to various challenges encountered during the execution process.' This was pointed out during a meeting chaired by him at Lao Yue City Council this Monday.
The meeting was one of the stops convened in conjunction with his May 5 to 16 tour of the offices of 9 regional development agencies across Sarawak, aimed at strengthening communication and contact with RDA units in various regions, understanding the progress of project implementation, and personally grasping the actual problems and obstacles faced locally.
Dato Abdul Rahman emphasized that RDA plays a critical role in accelerating regional development, as each has the authority to formulate and approve project plans without needing to report to the central government for approval at every level.
Project proposals submitted by each RDA unit will be approved by its own guiding committee and then executed by relevant technical agencies such as the Public Works Department (JKR), the Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID), the Department of Agriculture (DOA), the Department of Rural Water Supply (JBALB), local governments, statutory bodies, district or state offices, etc.
He also reminded all RDA units and asset-holding units to plan in advance for the operational and maintenance budgets and manpower arrangements post-project completion, to avoid projects being left idle due to insufficient resources, resulting in waste.
Furthermore, he sternly warned all contractors who have received the Letter of Appointment (LOA) to start on-site construction work within 30 days, or face subsequent enforcement actions.
'The implementing agencies must also ensure that this directive is implemented without compromise.' He stated.
He pointed out that close cooperation among the RDA, implementing agencies, and monitoring units is key to ensuring projects are completed on schedule and genuinely benefit the people.
The establishment of this special committee is seen as a catalyst for improving project execution efficiency and optimizing the government service system, in line with the Sarawak government's long-term vision for balanced urban and rural development.
Attendees of the meeting included the director of the Northern Regional Development Agency (NRDA), Dato Ubaidillah Abdul Latif, the director of the Sarawak State Implementation Monitoring Unit (SIMU), Sabiyah Daud, and several guests and officials.