MIRI: Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) projects worth RM1.05 million are being undertaken to improve infrastructure at Long Banga in the Baram area this year.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala said these projects include the construction of tarred roads (RM200,000); Long Banga airstrip parking (RM100,000) and tarred road in Long Balong (RM300,000).
“An allocation of RM450,000 has also been given to build an ‘Arul Batang’ Bridge, road to Long Peluan and to Long Beluang asa well as the construction of a steel bridge crossing the Sungai Balung,” he said.
Speaking at the Saban Association Miri appreciation night on Saturday, Gerawat also advised students of the Saban community to focus on Science ,Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.
” STEM subjects and digital skills are important skills for future careers. Yayasan Sarawak is offering scholarships for various professional and degree programmes and courses related to the digital industry, in fact, our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has recently announced Sarawak’s Digital Blue Print 2023-2030 which will be the main driver of our state’s future economic growth,”he pointed out.
Gerawat said students from B40 families who can get admitted to Curtin University, Swinburne University and University College of Technology will be eligible for Yayasan scholarship covering tuition fees and boarding fees.
“Abang Johari has set up a Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Fund, and one of the objectives is to provide free tertiary education for Sarawakian students in the future hopefully by 2030,” he said.
A total of 92 Saban top achievers from primary to tertiary education level received appreciation awards at the function.
Gerawat also launched and unveiled a 120-page Saban community elementary dictionary.
At the event, Gerawat also announced an allocation of RM20,000 from his Minor Rural Project (MRP) fund to the Saban Association Miri and RM10,000 to the bamboo band.
Also present was the Saban Association Miri president Usat Bilong.
