BINTULU: More than 5,000 people attended the ‘Sarawakku Sayang’ programme here today (May 23), as the state government continued its outreach initiative to strengthen engagement and service delivery to the rakyat.
Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the programme serves as a direct platform for engagement between government leaders and the public.
“The objective of ‘Sarawakku Sayang’ is to bring together the government and the people so that both sides can meet and engage directly,” he said at the programme held at the old Bintulu Airport.
He said the initiative allows the public to experience government services and delivery directly at ground level, beyond conventional communication channels.
The programme featured 47 government agencies operating under a one-stop centre concept, offering services covering education, health, social welfare, digital initiatives and administrative matters.
Dr Rundi said the approach reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive development, particularly in ensuring that rural communities benefit from ongoing progress.
“We must ensure development is inclusive so that no community, especially in rural areas, is left behind,” he said.
He also stressed that unity and cooperation remain central to Sarawak’s long-term development agenda.
“Nothing is impossible if we continue to work together in unity and with strong cooperation,” he said.
Reflecting on Bintulu’s development, Dr Rundi said the area has undergone major transformation from a modest settlement into a modern industrial hub.
He recalled earlier conditions marked by unpaved roads, simple livelihoods, and everyday scenes such as roadside “goreng pisang panas”, alongside limited access to key facilities including the airport.
He said Bintulu, once widely known as a quiet “belacan town” associated with small-scale fishing and traditional seafood production, has now evolved into a major industrial and economic centre driven by sustained investment and planning.
“Bintulu has transformed from a small fishing village into a modern industrial hub today,” he said.
Looking ahead, he said Bintulu is expected to play a strategic role in Sarawak’s future economy, particularly in green energy and hydrogen development under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030.
He added that continued development will ensure balanced growth that benefits both urban and rural communities.
