BY ALEXANDRA LORNA & LAKESH KUMAR
KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Federal Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) has proposed Batang Lupar as the next location for the Rural Community Centre (PKD) mobile programme in July, while Saratok is being considered for the establishment of a Mini PKD.
Its Deputy Minister, Datuk Rubiah Wang, said that the proposals demonstrate the ministry’s continued commitment to bringing essential services and outreach programme closer to rural communities in Sarawak, despite the geographical challenges that come with the state’s vast and remote rural areas.
“Sarawak currently has only six PKDs, each managed by a centre manager.
“Although the number is small compared to other states, their presence is still significant.
“However, due to the wide geographic spread and the location of many rural communities far from urban centres, it remains a challenge to ensure full access to PKD services,” she said.
She said this in her speech during the launching of PKD Mobile Kota Samarahan programme at Aiman Mall here today.
Therefore, Rubiah said to address this, the PKD Mobile initiative was introduced in 2023 to serve as a mobile platform that connects government services and support directly to the people.
“The PKD Mobile Kota Samarahan programme, held over the weekend, marked the first in a new series of implementations under the 2025 calendar.
“The event featured the participation of 17 federal and state government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as private sector involvement.
“Throughout the two-day programme, residents were offered access to information on government aid, mobile services, advisory support and a variety of community-based activities,” she said.
Rubiah said the initiative enables rural residents to apply for government assistance, access various essential services, and obtain direct advisory support from representatives of participating agencies.
She added that the programme also includes interactive activities designed to engage and benefit local communities.
Since its rollout, the PKD Mobile programme has been held in eight locations nationwide, drawing more than 10,000 visitors and receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Rubiah noted that this approach has proven effective in strengthening the relationship between the government and the people, especially those in the rural and interior areas.
She also highlighted the key roles played by PKD centres across the country.
“These centres serve as hubs for skills training, women’s empowerment programmes, and one-stop service centres for government agencies to provide mobile services.
“In addition, they act as platforms for student and NGO volunteer activities, especially during disaster response efforts, and also function as rural entrepreneur product collection centres.
“PKDs are also increasingly involved in promoting digital literacy through training and awareness programmes,” she said.
