Selangau MP calls for transparency, clear planning in devt project proposals
Edwin strikes the gong to officiate the event as Abang Mohamad Porkan (fifth left) and others look on.
SIBU (May 1): Community leaders and village chiefs in the Selangau area should prioritise transparency and genuine needs when applying for development projects for their respective communities.
Selangau MP Edwin Banta said any application submitted must account for the actual needs and interests of the local population while adhering to the prescribed guidelines to ensure available allocations are utilised optimally.
'I do not discourage community leaders from applying for projects—in fact, I encourage it.
'But I call for greater responsibility when submitting applications. Prioritise important projects first, such as roads, clean water supply and basic amenities, rather than non-urgent initiatives,' he said during a 'Service and Role Enhancement Project for Community Leaders and Village Chiefs' in Selangau yesterday.
Edwin said he often received vague and poorly detailed applications, making approval difficult.
'Some applications are for non-urgent projects, such as building access roads to small farms or purchasing items that are not critical to the wider community.
'Sometimes people request roads, but when asked where the road leads, the answers are unclear. Key details like the road's length and type whether premix, gravel, or earth, must be included. Don't just submit applications for the sake of applying,' he stressed.
Edwin also shared that he must distribute development allocations for the Selangau parliamentary constituency fairly among various communities, including the Iban, Malay, Chinese, Punan, and Kenyah groups, while balancing the needs between the Kakus and Tamin state constituencies.
He further explained that small projects worth under RM50,000 could be requested through the Minor Rural Project (MRP) allocation, while projects exceeding RM50,000 should be applied for under larger rural development programmes such as the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) or through the 'MyKhas' system under the state government.
'If you request a RM5 million project for a single longhouse—that is not realistic. We must plan wisely and understand the government's financial capacity.'
Meanwhile, he advised all community leaders to maintain close ties with the district office by visiting at least once a month to stay updated on government policies and to ease the application and coordination of development matters.
'Visit the district office regularly, not only to get the latest information but also to strengthen working relationships with government officers. A good working relationship will make our work easier,' he said.
He emphasised that community leaders are not only leaders of their respective longhouses or villages but also agents of social transformation who play a crucial role in communicating government policies to the people and ensuring the well-being of their communities.
He also urged community leaders to always act fairly and responsibly with foresight, and to uphold integrity in the performance of their duties.
Also present was Sibu Resident, Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman. development projects Edwin Banta Selangau transparency
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