The Rural and Regional Development has set aside RM2.5 billion for the development of eight rural programmes in Sarawak this year.

According to its Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, five of the programmes involved basic infrastructure costing RM2.4 billion, while three were under the Desa Abad ke-21 initiative costing RM54 million.

"The five programmes are construction of 697 kilometres of roads costing RM891, 880,006; electricity supply for 13,319 houses (RM1,060,659,100); water supply for 7,500 houses (RM337,010,000); assistance for 9,500 homes (RM200 million); and maintenance of 313 kilometres of roads (RM6,232,200)" he said.

Meanwhile the three other programmes were focused on large scale fruit farming, comprising two projects costing RM8 million; 13 sustainable farming projects (RM26 million) and the rural business challenge involving 8,500 participants (RM20 million).

Mohd Shafie said this recently after chairing the first coordination committee meeting for this year for state Rural Exco chairmen in the country.

"We also stressed on cooperation between the departments and state government to ensure smooth implementation of the programmes.

"Aside from that, we also discussed the need to be prepared in the event of a disaster to enable community leaders to assist agencies under the KKLW" he said.

Mohd Shafie also added that the ministry received applications from both the Sarawak and Sabah governments for additional funds to build more houses under the hardcore poor people's housing programme including longhouses.

"Sarawak applied for RM51 million more while Sabah, RM50 million more. We will refer their applications to the Finance Ministry" he said.