KUCHING: Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee has called for inclusive development that balances economic growth with social welfare.
In debating on the 2026 Madani Budget, she welcomed the increased allocation of RM6 billion for Sarawak, up from RM5.9 billion in 2025, as recognition of the state’s development needs under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“However, rural communities continue to seek answers to fundamental issues such as education, healthcare, infrastructure and the future of the younger generation,” she said in her debate at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday (Oct 27).
She then addressed rural infrastructure and healthcare, pointing out pending school projects and dilapidated clinics, including the need for better staff accommodation to attract medical personnel to interior areas.
“Last week, I received feedback from the Ministry of Education (MOE) stating that five dilapidated school projects in Batang Sadong have yet to commence due to reassessment following increased costs. These schools are SMK Simunjan No 1, SK Semalatong, SK Jemukan, SK Sungai Apin and SK Haji Bujang Rangawan Putin.
“The question is, why has this planning and reassessment process taken so long when the project funds were already approved since 2021?
“Is it because some of these schools are categorised as Schools with Low Enrolment (SKM), thus given lower priority? If so, does the ministry have a specific policy for schools under the SKM category?” she asked.
On the facilities for healthcare workers, Rodiyah said the Gedong Health Clinic has staff quarters that are in poor condition, making it difficult to accommodate doctors and nurses, who are forced to rent houses in nearby villages.
“This affects the welfare and morale of healthcare workers, making it hard to attract personnel to serve in rural areas when basic facilities are inadequate,” she said.
She also raised concerns over challenges in education, noting the rising incidents of school bullying and the impact of digital media on youth values.
“In this regard, I propose the establishment of a National School Safety and Wellbeing Unit to centrally manage bullying complaints and provide psychosocial interventions for students and teachers,” she said.
She further proposed that student assessments be renewed through a new version of the UPSR and PT3 examinations that evaluate a balance of academic achievement, character and creativity.
“This is so that we do not produce students who excel on paper but are lacking in values,” she said.
Rodiyah also stressed the importance of advancing agricultural self-reliance, recommending a Borneo National Seed R&D Centre to reduce dependence on imported inputs and ensure support for smallholders, youth farmers and local cooperatives.
On social issues, she warned of the spread of drug abuse and online gambling in rural communities, urging educational programmes, counseling centers and stricter enforcement to protect youth.
In response, senior lecturer in economics from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Dr Dzul Hadzwan Husaini, praised Rodiyah’s focus on inclusive prosperity and regional justice.
“Her approach reflects Rawlsian Welfare Economics, emphasising that economic success should be measured by improvements in the living standards of the most vulnerable groups, not GDP alone,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Dr Dzul highlighted that Sarawak’s rural realities require targeted interventions, including upgrading schools and clinics, addressing substance abuse and expanding educational opportunities.
He proposed that this inclusive approach could form the basis of a Sarawak Inclusive Prosperity Model, aligning with Malaysia Madani and the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 vision to build a prosperous, equitable and resilient state.
“Rodiyah’s advocacy underscores the need for balanced development, ensuring the 2026 Budget benefits all communities, particularly rural Sarawak, while safeguarding the welfare and future of its youth,” he said.
