In the Mid-Term Review of the 11th Malaysia Plan, these states were identified as Sarawak, Kelantan, Terengganu and Perlis. This is part of the third pillar of the mid-term review seeking to pursue balanced regional development.
The government has also set new targets in the mid-term review, including the surveying and mapping of 276,600 hectares of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land in Sabah and Sarawak.
Putrajaya said presently, a total of 30,702 ha and 95,796 ha of NCR land in Sabah and Sarawak respectively had been surveyed and that the surveying and mapping of such land would be expedited.
“The development of customary land is vital to create economic activities and generate income for the local communities in Sabah and Sarawak.”
In the remaining plan period, an additional 51,000 ha in Sabah and 225,600 ha in Sarawak will be mapped.
“Most of the NCR land in Sabah and Sarawak will continue to be developed commercially for agricultural activities through various mechanisms including joint ventures with private investors, leasing, contract farming and individual farming.”
In its election manifesto, Pakatan Harapan had vowed to allocate funds to accurately identify the NCR land boundaries as part of efforts to protect them.
The government has also set new targets for the increase of broadband coverage throughout the country, as part of its plans to accelerate development and bridge the urban-rural development gap, given that rural areas still account for 75% of the country.
A total of 300 new telecommunication towers will be built in rural areas nationwide and 1,000 existing towers will be upgraded. Additionally, 106 new towers will be built in Sabah and Sarawak, and 400 existing towers will be upgraded.