By Henry Tiong
KUCHING, July 6, 2024 - Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg last night urged the federal government to empower the local agencies, through the state government, to build schools and clinics in Sarawak.
He said the federal government should channel funds to these agencies to build schools and clinics, including the nine development agencies that have been established in the state to empower rural leaders.
According to him, each relevant agency is allocated as much as RM1.5 billion by the state government for projects implementation within three years based on the needs of the grassroots, before receiving additional funds.
"So, this means that the decision-making is managed by local leaders through a decentralisation process. Otherwise, everything will be managed centrally in Petra Jaya, at Wisma Bapa Malaysia.
"Therefore, I suggest that Putrajaya authorises the local agencies to carry out projects, not all but some specific projects.
“For example, the construction of a school or a clinic, we can implement as long as there are funds given by the federal government.
"If you can't implement a project, then give us the power so that we don't have to wait without knowing when these federal government facilities will be implemented,” he added.
He said this in his speech to inaugurate the closing of the Land and Survey Department Sarawak Innovation and Integrity Day (HIITS) 2024 here, on Friday.
The premier praised the progressive steps taken by the Land and Survey Department Sarawak in renewing and improving their operational efficiency by using Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovations in the land surveying process.
He further explained that the use of AI, especially generative AI technology, has brought about a major transformation in the field of land surveying so that mapping and analysis of land data can be done more quickly and accurately, further facilitating the process of land planning and development in Sarawak.
"The department is at the forefront of the use of this technology in Malaysia to the point many visitors from the peninsula come to learn our methods of using technology in management.
"I am confident that our future is bright with our existing data recording approach, if we want to measure the land quickly, whether I like it or not, I will have to add more JTS tasks that not only involve measuring land on land, but also at sea.
"This is because our economy has shifted towards a green economy that involves the entire spectrum, the entire strategic sector of our economy,” he added.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, Permanent Secretary to the Sarawak Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datu Abdullah Julaihi, Land and Survey Director Awang Zamhari Awang Mahmood.
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