MIRI: Residents in Senadin were encouraged to make full use of a range of assistance programmes offered by the Sarawak government as Transport Minister and Senadin assemblyman Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin joined a grassroots outreach programme on Saturday.
The community engagement initiative, organised by the SUPP N.75 Senadin Mobile Service Team, saw Lee and local community leaders meet residents in several neighbourhoods to raise awareness of government welfare schemes, emergency preparedness measures and ongoing community development projects.
The programme began at Desa Bahagia in Vista Perdana, where residents were provided with emergency contact stickers containing key telephone numbers for essential services. The initiative was aimed at ensuring that households have quick access to important emergency contacts when needed.
During the engagement session, Lee took the opportunity to explain several people-focused initiatives introduced by the Sarawak government, including the Senior Citizen Health Benefit (SCHB), Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) and the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES).
He said many residents were still unaware of the range of assistance available and stressed the importance of ensuring eligible individuals and families received the benefits intended for them.
“The Sarawak government remains committed to implementing policies and programmes that directly benefit the people. It is important that residents are aware of these initiatives so that they can fully utilise the assistance available,” he said.
Beyond welfare assistance, the visit also focused on improving public facilities within the constituency.
Lee inspected several recreational parks and community facilities in Vista Perdana and Milea Residence, where projects funded under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) are either being implemented or proposed.
Among the projects reviewed are the construction of a covered roof over a basketball court in Vista Perdana and the development of a recreational park in Milea Residence. Additional upgrading works at other neighbourhood parks are also being considered.
According to Lee, recreational facilities play a vital role in fostering healthier lifestyles and strengthening social interaction within communities.
“Quality recreational facilities provide safe and comfortable spaces for sports, leisure and community activities. We will continue to identify areas where improvements can be made for the benefit of residents,” he said.
The visit also included an inspection of the Miri Sentral Bus Terminal, where Lee met passengers travelling during the Gawai festive period. He gathered feedback on bus services and the overall condition of the terminal as part of efforts to improve public transport facilities.
Several local leaders and community representatives accompanied Lee throughout the programme, including councillors, community chiefs and youth representatives.
The outreach programme forms part of ongoing efforts by local representatives and community service teams to engage directly with residents, identify issues at the grassroots level and ensure government initiatives reach the people they are intended to serve.
