KUCHING: A social media post praising the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has sparked an outpouring of responses from Sarawakians, many sharing personal accounts of how state government initiatives have benefited them and their families.
The post by social media personality Mohd Fadli Salleh highlighted Abang Johari’s emphasis on the welfare of Sarawakians, particularly following the recent Flying Doctor Service (FDS) helicopter tragedy in Long Lellang.
Fadli pointed to the Sarawak government’s RM100,000 assistance for each of the five victims’ families, as well as the announcement that Yayasan Sarawak would fully bear the education expenses of the victims’ children until they complete their studies.
Although he lives in Malaya, Fadli said the changes taking place in Sarawak were noticeable even to an outsider who followed developments in the state through news reports.
“I see Sarawak under Abang Johari’s administration becoming increasingly developed, while the welfare of its people is also being better taken care of,” he said.
However, Fadli said Sarawakians themselves were in the best position to judge the changes taking place on the ground.
“Ultimately, those who truly experience these changes are the people of Sarawak themselves,” he said, inviting Sarawakians to share their views.
His post drew numerous responses, with education assistance and support for National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) borrowers emerging prominently among the comments.
Facebook (FB) user Nur Aini described assistance with PTPTN repayments as one of the significant initiatives undertaken by the Sarawak government.
“I think one of the major contributions of the Sarawak government is helping to settle PTPTN debts.
“The conditions are straightforward. If borrowers have made an effort to repay their loans previously, the government will help settle the remaining loan,” she said.
Another FB user Amysophiani Ha-Eun Adeni said her family had directly experienced the benefits of the state’s education initiatives.
She said her family, which she described as belonging to the M40 income group, had received education assistance for her children pursuing undergraduate studies.
“We were even surprised when our children’s fees had already been settled by the Sarawak government,” she said.
She also shared her experience of receiving an unexpected notification concerning a PTPTN loan.
“We were so surprised when an email arrived informing us that the PTPTN loan had been settled,” she said.
Hanyza Deen, also a FB user, shared a similar experience involving her younger sibling.
“The Sarawak government also helped settle the PTPTN loan. This happened to my younger sibling several years ago.
“We were surprised when we received a notification that the PTPTN loan had been settled by the Sarawak government,” she said.
She expressed hope that Sarawak would continue progressing as more initiatives became available to its people.
“There are many other benefits that Sarawakians are gradually able to enjoy and experience. May Sarawak continue to progress and prosper — segulai sejalai,” she said.
The responses were not limited to Sarawakians.
FB user Ashraf Izahar, who said he was from Malaya but now resides in Sarawak, said he was impressed by what he had observed.
“I am from Peninsular Malaysia and now live in Sarawak. I am amazed by the assistance and benefits provided to the people here.
“The people of Sarawak are fortunate. Alhamdulillah,” he said.
Another FB user, Andy Sulaiman, also said Sarawakians had experienced various forms of assistance and facilities.
“Yes, that is certainly true. Those of us here have received many benefits and facilities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fareeza Za summed up her reaction in FB: “I’m proud to be Sarawakian!”
The discussion also touched on Sarawak’s broader development and its working relationship with the federal government.
Ramzi Ahmad, another FB fan, said the cooperation between the federal administration and the Sarawak government appeared increasingly focused on delivering results.
The comments came amid continued public mourning over the Long Lellang helicopter tragedy, which claimed the lives of a pilot and four healthcare personnel while they were carrying out an FDS mission.
For many responding to Fadli’s post, the assistance announced for the bereaved families — particularly the commitment to supporting the victims’ children through their education — was another example of the welfare measures they associated with the state administration.
What began as an observation from someone outside Sarawak ultimately became a platform for Sarawakians themselves to share how policies announced at the government level had translated into assistance they could personally experience.
