BINTULU: PETRONAS reaffirmed its commitment to supporting rural development in Telang Usan and Baram through a range of initiatives, including job creation, infrastructure development, and community welfare programmes.
Telang Usan Assemblyman, Datuk Dennis Ngau, highlighted the company’s role not only as an oil and gas giant but also as a strategic partner in improving the lives of local communities.
“PETRONAS has gone beyond its corporate role to become a true partner in rural development.
“I am grateful for their efforts and hope such initiatives will continue for as long as PETRONAS is here,” he said during the Graduation Ceremony: Re-Skilling Community Programme at Institut Kemahiran Mara (IKM) Bintulu on Tuesday.
As part of its latest community programme, 40 senior citizens participated in activities designed to strengthen social bonds and enhance well-being.
PETRONAS has also increased employment opportunities for locals, including raising the minimum salary for certain positions from RM2,500 to RM3,000.
Ngau further noted that modern initiatives such as hydroponic farming and tourism development are being introduced to diversify rural income sources.
He also voiced concern over manpower shortages in local institutions and urged Petronas to help train more young Sarawakians to fill these gaps.
Looking ahead, Ngau emphasised that the Baram 2030 development strategy aims to achieve an average monthly household income of RM15,000.
However, he acknowledged that development disparities between areas such as Bintulu and Baram remain a challenge.
“Education is the key to sustainable progress. We must prioritise free education, which will be available from 2026, to support both school leavers and current students,” he said.
