Positive Response To Rural Development Projects In Balleh

KAPIT, July 6 (Bernama) -- New infrastructure projects launched in Balleh have drawn strong community support, with over 1,000 residents attending a rural outreach event at Rumah Edison Bugap in Sungai Melekun yesterday.

The event, held under the Pemimpin Bersama Rakyat programme, marked the opening of a new iron jetty and cement road, part of ongoing efforts to improve connectivity and living standards in Kapit.

Works Minister and Kapit Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the participation of 124 longhouse chiefs and Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) members signalled grassroots confidence in the government’s rural development agenda.

“This event reflects the strong relationship between the community and the government. It also highlights the positive reception to ongoing development efforts in the N.61 Pelagus state constituency and surrounding areas,” he said.

As part of continued support for rural communities, Nanta announced the construction of a new community hall at Rumah Edison Bugap.

He also revealed an allocation of RM857,000 to assist more than 60 longhouses, with each household receiving RM500 in aid.

“This contribution is a token of appreciation for the commitment shown by the longhouse chiefs and JKKK members, and a gesture of thanks for the community’s unwavering support for GPS and the MADANI government,” he added.

He called on Kapit residents to remain united and to support government efforts to ensure the continued implementation of development programmes in the region.

Nanta noted that Kapit, once considered remote, is now experiencing progress through large-scale infrastructure projects driven by federal and state collaboration.

Among key projects underway is the construction of a bridge across Batang Rajang from Nanga Yong, valued at over RM300 million, and a 2.5-kilometre road connecting Jalan Song-Kapit to the Ulu Rajang Development Agency (URDA) network.

“The road from Nanga Tulie to the Batang Rajang bridge, currently under construction, will serve as a vital link to interior areas such as Sungai Melipis, Sungai Menuan, and Sungai Ibau,” he said.

Other upcoming developments include a MARA Professional College, a new police station, and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bukit Goram.

The government has also approved projects such as a new hotel, Bujang Berani Square, and several other infrastructure initiatives that are expected to bring direct and indirect benefits to the people of Kapit.

-- BERNAMA