KUCHING: Some infrastructural projects might need to be deferred a little due to the global economic turmoil particularly in the US and Europe.

Deputy Works Minister Datuk Yong Khoon Seng who said this did not reveal how many or what projects could be affected by the economic downturn.

“For now, all projects are going on fine although some are affected by the rising prices of raw materials,” he told reporters after opening the new building for the Batu Kawa Tian Sze Ja Temple Association at Batu Kawa Bazaar here yesterday.

He said his side had already established a committee chaired by him to identify ailing projects in the state. They would meet again in Oct 30 to review all projects.

“I have held three meetings in six months to assess the condition of these ailing projects and have been able to solve at least half of them,” he revealed.

He informed that the government had approved a scheme called ‘Variation of Prices’ that enabled companies to pay for raw materials like steel and cement – the prices of which have soared.

To a question on roads to Belaga, Yong said it would be best that the elected representative write to him in detail to request for them to be built.

Meanwhile Yong said completion of the new building marked a milestone for Batu Kawa Tian Sze Ja Temple Association, with its spacious conference hall able to accommodate members for activities.

He said the association’s initiative in managing the temple would be enhanced with these facilities to bring positive development to the community.

Yong hoped the association would be involved in taking care of Taman Batu Kawa which is expected to materialise through the development of both banks of the Batu Kawa River.

“I am confident the project will be realised but a committee needs to be set up to manage the facilities not only to prevent vandalism but preserve the environment.”

He said the park, likened to a waterfront, would be an excellent site for holding cultural activities like the Dragon Boat Festival on the fifth day of the lunar month.

Batu Kawa assemblyman Tan Joo Phoi, association chairman Liew Hin Lin and organising chairman Chai Ming Jun also spoke.