BETONG: The implementation of various projects under the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) has continued to bring development benefits to rural communities, including in the Layar Ili area.
Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said among the projects currently being implemented and set to continue are the upgrading of the road from Tanjung Assam to Stambak Ili, the upgrading of the Mid Layar Health Clinic, as well as the proposed construction of a Youth Academy Centre in the area.
According to him, the second phase of BDDA’s implementation is now focusing on socio-economic development, with various programmes to be carried out, including a poultry farming project that has already begun involving target groups in the area.
“In a longhouse, everyone has a role to play. We must support one another, support the longhouse chiefs, support the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK), and support the penghulu and community leaders.
“With such cooperation, we can ensure that development is carried out smoothly,” he said when speaking at a Leader With the People programme held here recently.
Rentap, who is also the Layar assemblyman, stressed that the success of rural development does not depend solely on the implementation of physical projects, but also requires strong support from the community for grassroots leadership.
He said every level of leadership within the longhouse community to district administration and elected representatives plays an important role in safeguarding the welfare of the community and determining the direction of local development.
Touching on government assistance, Rentap reminded the public to make full use of the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS), which is channelled through the S Pay Global application.
He noted that there are still some members of the community who are not familiar with using the digital facility, and therefore community leaders and heads of ethnic groups are expected to play a role in assisting them so that no eligible individual is left out from receiving the assistance.
At the same time, he also reminded the public to use the assistance received prudently in facing the rising cost of living.
He further emphasised the importance of education among the younger generation, particularly through the free higher education initiative introduced by the Sarawak government.
He said the opportunity should be fully utilized by rural youths, while parents should provide support so that they can study diligently and build a better future.
