KOTA SAMARAHAN: Thousands gathered in a spirit of gratitude and devotion as ‘Samarahan Berselawat’ marked four decades of transformation and development in the division.
The programme, held in conjunction with the GEMA@KKDW 2026 programme at Halaman Samarahan, Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS), also commemorated the 40th anniversary of Samarahan as an administrative division.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang said the gathering provided an opportunity for the community to give thanks for the peace, prosperity and progress achieved since Samarahan was established as a division in 1986.
“Over the four decades, Samarahan has developed rapidly, not only in terms of infrastructure, but also in economic development and human capital.
“Our strategy to develop Samarahan as an education and food production hub is now showing clear results,” she said when met by reporters during the programme on Friday (Aug 21).
Rubiah said educational facilities had expanded significantly, contributing to stronger human capital development and higher academic achievements among the younger generation.
According to her, the more organised and focused administration had contributed to rapid development and economic spillover throughout the division.
“Through the state government’s planning to ensure balanced development in rural areas, Samarahan, which was once isolated and overlooked, has now become a centre of attraction,” she said.
The ‘Samarahan Berselawat’ programme was held as part of the wider GEMA@KKDW 2026 initiative, which featured various community-based activities, including Ziarah Kasih, Sentuhan Kasih and Belia Berbakti.
The programme was further enlivened by entrepreneur sales, agency exhibitions and other activities aimed at bringing the community together.
The religious gathering also featured local tahfiz teachers, Imam Muda Asyraf and popular nasyid group Raihan, drawing an enthusiastic response from the local community.
Rubiah said the programme served as a platform for residents to come together in prayer and gratitude while celebrating the prosperity and development achieved by Samarahan over the past four decades.
