Abang Johari (third left), flanked by Dr Rundi on his right and Uggah, and others give their thumbs-up after the launch of SARES at 29-household Rh Irai.

SEBAUH: Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg says the state’s top priority is to develop rural infrastructure.

“It may be costly but the investment is a must in order to bring more development for the rural people,” he said when officiating at Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (SARES) in Rh Irai Gasing, Sungai Binyo about one and a half hour-boat ride from here yesterday.

The chief minister had always said since the rural people voted overwhelmingly to ensure comfortable win for the Barisan Nasional (BN), the rural community deserved more than what they had now in terms of infrastructure development.

With more investment, the rural people would also receive more ‘dividends’ from the state government under his leadership as the new captain, he said.

He said as long it was a worthwhile investment, the people could still rely on the government of the day to bring more development.

Abang Johari said for the rural transformation agenda to materialise, he would emphasise  on developing the rural infrastructure, especially telecommunication, to ease the workings of all sectors of the economy.

“SARES is one of them. It is an alternative energy powered by solar panels appropriate for use in the rural areas which have yet to be connected to the grid,” he said.

The initiative, he added, was carried out by Sarawak Energy Bhd to provide 24-hour electricity supply through advancements in alternative energy technology.

Later at the event, he announced an allocation of RM5 million to upgrade Sebauh District Office and another RM150 million for Sebauh Bridge and RM31 million for the construction of Jalan Kampung Hilir Sebauh. He also announced a RM100,000 grant for the committee of Rh Irai.

“This is a nucleus development which will gradually spread to other nearby areas,” he added.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Minister of Public Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi, Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, assistant ministers and assemblymen were also present.