The government is emphasising on balance in implementing development projects in both urban and rural areas, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had also stressed on the balance when he said that while mega projects were being implemented, basic infrastructure and amenities for the people in the rural areas, should also be given priority.

"The prime minister is not only committed to implementing mega projects such as the Pan Borneo Expressway, East Coast Rail Line, Mass Rail Transit and the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail, but also to providing roads, as well as electricity and water supply in rural areas" Ahmad Zahid said at the launch of Felcra Berhad's Public Relations Programme on Sunday, April 16.

Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman and Felcra Berhad chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who is also Kinabatangan member of Parliament.

Ahmad Zahid said the implementation of mega projects were needed to boost the economy, but at the same time, the rural areas should also be developed.

He said this was in line with the government's commitment to listening to the voices of the people.

"The voices of the people are being heard by our leadership, hence the implementation of balanced development" he said.

At the event, the deputy prime minister also announced the approval for the construction of 240 units of Rumah Bina Negara (RBN) houses by Felcra Berhad in the Kinabangan and Libaran constituencies.

The houses comprise 120 units in Kampung Suan Lamba, Kinabangan and 120 units in Rancangan Sungai Manila in Sandakan.

Ahmad Zahid also witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Felcra Berhad and Sabah Land Development Authority, as well as between Felcra International Ventures Sdn Bhd and Premier International Marketing Sdn Bhd