SIMANGGANG: The Sarawak Government remains committed to advancing rural development through comprehensive initiatives that focus on social, infrastructure, and educational growth.
Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development II, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, said such a holistic strategy is essential to safeguard the well-being of rural communities while ensuring they progress in line with the state’s overall development.
He said this when officiating the Sri Aman District Council (MDSA) Community Development Programme held here recently.
The programme, organised in conjunction with the Community Cleanliness Campaign, aimed to raise awareness among residents about the importance of cleanliness, safety, and public health.
During the event, several financial contributions were presented to support local community activities, including RM5,000 to the Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) of Kampung Kenyungan, RM3,000 to the Women’s Bureau, and RM2,000 to the Neighbourhood Watch Area (KRT).
Harden, who is also the Simanggang assemblyman, also officiated the road, drainage, and electricity upgrading project in the village.
The project involves key components such as the upgrading of TR Siliver Garit longhouse, which was destroyed by fire (RM200,000), drainage improvement works (RM150,000), and an upgrade of the electrical system (RM100,000).
To further strengthen basic infrastructure, the government also allocated an additional RM120,000 under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) for road and drainage improvements.
In a separate event, Harden conducted a monitoring visit to Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Batu Lintang, Undop, in conjunction with the implementation of the Dual Language Programme (DLP) Assessment Test (UP-DLP) for Year 6 students in the subjects of English, Mathematics, and Science.
The visit aimed to ensure the smooth implementation of the assessment and compliance with the procedures set by the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD).
A total of 12 candidates sat for the test at the school, assisted by three examination supervisors. Overall, the examination process at SK Batu Lintang ran smoothly and in an orderly manner.
“We want rural communities to continue to progress — to be clean, safe, and competitive — not only through infrastructure development but also through education, which forms the foundation for the younger generation’s future,” he said.
