KUCHING: Sarawak’s development progress must ensure that no segment of society is left behind, particularly rural communities and vulnerable groups.
Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said Malaysia Day serves as a reminder that true progress is achieved when no one is left behind in the course of development.
“Senior citizens, persons with disabilities, rural communities and vulnerable groups must continue to be given attention so that they too can enjoy the fruits of the country’s prosperity,” he said in his Malaysia Day 2026 message.
Wan Junaidi mentioned that one of the clearest examples of this inclusive approach was the Sarawak government’s strong focus on rural development under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the state government recognised the need to narrow the economic gap between urban and rural areas.
Among the measures taken was the establishment of regional development agencies such as the Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA), Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA), Sri Aman Development Agency (SADA) and Highland Development Agency (HDA).
He said dedicated funding was channelled through these agencies to provide basic infrastructure, including roads, clean water and electricity in rural areas.
“This ensures that indigenous communities as well as residents of villages and longhouses are also able to benefit from modernisation,” he added.
Wan Junaidi also cited that Sarawak’s future depends on its ability to build institutions that command public confidence.
He said integrity, transparency and accountability must remain the foundation of leadership in the public and private sectors as well as within society.
“The future of Sarawak depends on our ability to build institutions that command public confidence.
“Integrity, transparency and accountability must continue to form the foundation of every form of leadership, whether in the public sector, private sector or society,” he concluded.
