The state premier, Abang Johari Openg, said rapid infrastructure development, including the construction of roads and bridges, had already narrowed the gap between urban and rural areas, The Borneo Post reported.

Such infrastructure development will open up new areas and there would be no difference between rural and urban areas in terms of facilities, including electricity and water supply.

“This means areas previously considered rural may no longer be rural,” he was quoted as saying. “By 2028 and 2030, our rural areas will have the same conditions as towns.”

He gave the example of the Sejingkat Bridge and nearby four-lane road, which allow residents to travel from Samarahan town to Sejingkat in about 20 minutes.

“Once the roads become four lanes, it’s just like towns, providing facilities and conveniences to the people,” he said when launching an electricity supply project for Samarahan.

Abang Johari said increased revenue for the state over the past five years had enabled the state government to reinvest in projects that benefitted the people.