KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Salam Desa Kemas Sarawak 2025 programme strengthens ties between leaders and rural communities while driving holistic rural development.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Rubiah Wang, said it not only allows communities to better understand their village development plans but also creates more opportunities in economic and social aspects.
“While challenges in infrastructure and facilities persist, the government remains committed to enhancing rural development initiatives for the well-being of the people,” she said when officiating at the event in Dewan Kampung Endap, here Saturday (Feb 8).
The programme organised by the Community Development Department (Kemas) also serves as the launch platform for One Leader, One Village (Santuni MADANI) 2025, an initiative introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to ensure leaders are more attentive to the needs and well-being of rural communities.
The event featured dialogue sessions with residents, alongside various activities such as Senam Sihat (Healthy Exercise), Sukan Rakyat (Traditional Sports), a Scammer Alert briefing by the police and educational briefings from the Sarawak Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) and GiatMara.
The Jualan Rahmah Madani initiative, offering essential goods at lower prices, also attracted visitors.
Youth empowerment was also a key focus through the Santuni Madani Programme, which featured various training initiatives and skill enhancement programmes with both technical and soft skills to ensure rural youth are more competitive in the job market.
Rubiah also presented several aid packages to the residents, including the Mara Education Foundation School Aid, which provided RM100 cash assistance and school bags to 80 students in Kampung Endap.
Additionally, the Mara Express Financing Scheme (SPiKE) allocated RM65,000 to Nur Iqra Enterprise for upgrading the fencing of Sekolah Awam, Serian, while RM210,000 was granted to Bahau Enterprise for a road construction project in Kampung Reteh Plaman, Serian.
Risda’s Rakyat Tuition Assistance of RM12,500 was also distributed for a 10-month tuition programme benefiting 12 SMK Siburan students and five teachers, alongside a RM5,000 allocation for a student motivation programme.
“I hope that rural communities, especially youth, will fully commit to supporting this rural development initiative.
“We welcome suggestions from the public to enhance rural well-being while reaffirming the government’s dedication to empowering rural development for national progress,” she said.
