LUNDU: The Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, reaffirmed the Sarawak government’s commitment to inclusive development and people-centric service delivery through a large-scale outreach programme held at Rumah Panjang Kampung Rayu Iban on Wednesday.
Among those present were Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam; permanent secretary of the Ministry, Datuk Felicia Tan Ya Hua; Tanjong Datu assemblyman, Azizul Annuar Adenan; and Lingga assemblywoman, Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor.
The two-day programme which started on June 17, which brought together various departments and strategic partners under her Ministry, aimed to bridge service gaps for communities that are often underserved.
“This is our way of ensuring that those whom we rarely reach are given the opportunity to access vital services and information,” she said during her speech.
Fatimah emphasised that government officers must go beyond their office walls to truly understand the diverse realities of Sarawakians across the state.
“Only by going to the ground can we tailor services to suit the actual needs of the people,” she stated, adding that many cases could be resolved on-site without the need for tedious paperwork and delays.
Following the success of the programme in Lundu, Fatimah announced plans for a similar initiative in Kapit this July, targeting four constituencies.
“This was our first large-scale rollout. Kapit will be the next zone.
“We want no one in Sarawak to feel left behind or uninformed about government assistance,” she said.
She also praised the dedication of civil servants and community leaders, describing their willingness to extend the event from one to two days as “a reflection of their unwavering commitment.”
Among the services provided were health screenings, applications for the Kenyalang Gold Card, and registration for Sarawak’s Endowment Fund for newborns.
The Fire and Rescue Department also conducted fire safety briefings and committed to establishing a Community Fire Brigade in Kampung Rayu Iban.
Additionally, she revealed that the National Unity Department expressed interest in forming a local Neighbourhood Watch (KRT) in the area, with a potential RM6,000 annual grant for registered committees.
Fatimah also spotlighted collaborations with institutions like Affin Bank, which manages the Sarawak Endowment Fund and has extended RM25 million in loans to women entrepreneurs.
“From birth to adulthood, our government provides for our people,” she said, adding that efforts are underway to simplify access to these schemes.
In closing, Fatimah urged the people of Sarawak to seize opportunities provided by the government, support Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s leadership, and remain united.
“Let us work hard, stay united, and uphold the late Tok Nan (Pehin Sri Tan Sri Adenan Satem)’s legacy ‘Jaga Sarawak baik-baik,’” she said.
