“Perak government denies false RM30 million allocation claim for Kampung Baru Cina, urging factual public discourse.”
Ipoh, 12th Sept 2024, 02.25pm – The Perak government has denied viral claims made by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) activist, alleging that an RM30 million allocation was approved for the development of Kampung Baru Cina. The claim, widely shared on social media, has been refuted as false by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Saarani clarified that the activist’s statement, made during a political talk with opposition leaders, was both misleading and untrue. “It is unfortunate that an activist would use a political platform to spread a highly distorted narrative, leading to public misunderstanding of the Perak government,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.
The inaccurate claim has sparked negative reactions online, with some netizens posting racially charged comments, leading to heated debates on social media. Saarani emphasized that the allocation in question was managed by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), which oversees infrastructure upgrades, such as road and drainage improvements in Kampung Baru Cina.
Saarani also highlighted that while KPKT focuses on developing new Chinese village infrastructure, the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development is responsible for rural development, covering areas like road construction, water and electricity supply, and bridge repairs. In 2023, the federal government allocated RM2.55 billion for rural development projects.
The Menteri Besar encouraged open discussion but stressed the importance of truth. “The state government welcomes constructive discourse, but it must be based on facts, not misleading or fabricated statements intended to confuse the public,” Saarani added.
