AN additional RM2 million will be allocated for the Housing Programme for the Hardcore Poor (PPRT) in Sabah.

Rural Development Minister Rina Harun said this brings total funding for PPRT’s Build and Refurbish scheme to RM20 million for the rest of the year.

“The total allocation as of June was RM66 million. After spending, the balance stood at RM18 million.

“We are adding another RM2 million, bringing the total to RM20 million for the rest of the year,” she told reporters after paying a courtesy call on Sabah Chief Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal in Kota Kinabalu today.

Present was state Rural Development Minister Ewon Benedick.

Rina is in the state capital for a two-day official visit, which began yesterday.

The RM66 million was allocated to construct 252 PPRT units, at a cost of RM17.1 million, and to refurbish 3,259 units, costing RM48.8 million.

Of the ministry’s RM3.8 billion development allocation, 26% will be spent on Sabah.

Rina hinted that several projects are on the back burner, but “people-centric” ones will proceed uninterrupted.

Shafie, who is former rural and regional development minister, gave an assurance that the state government will extend cooperation to the ministry, adding that Sabah needs a lot of help in developing rural areas.

“I am confident that the Rural Development Ministry needs fresh ideas and new people to effectively assist Malaysians in rural areas.

“The ministry must be able to execute new programmes to help the people.” – July 23, 2018.