BINTULU: Sarawak’s rising revenue has paved the way for major rural infrastructure projects along with youth-focused skills and education initiatives, ensuring development reaches all communities.
Minister in the Premier’s Department, Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai, said the state’s revenue increased from around RM6 billion to RM13 billion last year, allowing more development projects and welfare initiatives to be implemented comprehensively.
“The development we enjoy today is the result of meticulous planning and leadership with a clear direction.
“The Sarawak Government is committed to ensuring that the people in rural areas are not left behind,” he said when officiating the Rumah Abon Banjar Bridge in Tatau, a Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) 2025 project under the ‘eBina Baharu Jambatan’ initiative, on Saturday.
He added that several major projects were also approved under the Mid Rajang Regional Development Agency (MiRRDA), including the upgrading of Jalan Kelebu to Rumah Ado, Lubuk Kubong, worth RM184 million, and the Jalan Muput upgrading project worth RM75 million.
“The road project from Rumah Balis to Nanga Takan was approved under the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA), while Jalan Penyarai will be upgraded through the Bintulu Rural Development Committee at a cost of RM200 million,” he added.
He stressed that the cooperation of all parties, including landowners, is crucial to ensure smooth project implementation and to accelerate the flow of benefits to interior communities.
Meanwhile, Selangau Member of Parliament, Edwin Banta, urged local youth to venture into technical and skilled fields, which are now the backbone of the state’s development.
According to him, since 2023, more than 500 students from the Selangau Parliamentary constituency, who are pursuing their studies at institutions of higher learning, have received “one-off” educational incentive assistance involving RM800 for diplomas and RM1,200 for degrees, with over RM200,000 allocated in 2025 alone.
“We need more Selangau children to become skilled workers and technical professionals. The TVET, engineering and industrial skills fields are now the backbone of development,” he said.
He added that the skills education path is no longer a second choice but rather an important platform in building a stable and competitive career.
Hence, parents are advised to encourage their children to consider these fields as their main choice.
Edwin also presented a Minor Rural Project (MRP) cheque to the Parent-Teacher Association.(PTA) of SK Kuala Muput and handed an ‘Incentive to Continue Education’ to a recipient, reflecting ongoing commitment to education and human capital development.
Earlier, Tatau District Officer, Calvin Ligong, highlighted the importance of the role of Tuai Rumah (TR) in ensuring that village profile data is always updated and appointing qualified and IT-savvy JKKK Secretaries to strengthen longhouse governance.
