Nanta: Rural development must go beyond infrastructure

KAPIT: Rural development must go beyond infrastructure provision to include education, skills training, economic opportunities and community welfare to ensure its benefits reach all segments of society.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said a balanced approach to physical development and human capital is essential to ensure rural communities were not left behind in the development process.

“Cooperation between the government, local leaders, implementing agencies and communities is crucial to ensuring development initiatives are carried out effectively and address the actual needs of residents,” he said this when officiating at the 2026 Gerakan Massa Masyarakat Desa (GEMA) programme organised by the Community Development Department (KEMAS) here recently.

He said development in Kapit must take into account geographical challenges, remote locations and the needs of longhouse communities to ensure projects delivered direct benefits to local residents.

In a related development, Nanta said the proposed six-kilometre road from Sut to Kebiaw had been approved, with compensation payments to affected landowners currently being processed.