MIRI: Sarawak’s social harmony, strong grassroots leadership and the need for greater community preparedness in the face of climate-related disasters were emphasised at a Christmas and New Year gathering in Lambir on Wednesday (Dec 18).
Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat said Sarawak’s multicultural and multireligious way of life remained the state’s greatest strength, describing it as a “living norm” that must be protected and sustained.
“Our celebrations rotate naturally. We celebrate Christmas together, then Chinese New Year, Hari Raya and Gawai.
“This is the Sarawak way, peaceful, inclusive and built on deep tolerance,” he said in his speech to community leaders, religious representatives and members of the media.
Dr Ripin said such unity had enabled the state government to implement development programmes more effectively and to continue advocating Sarawak’s rights as enshrined in MA63.
He acknowledged that external influences could threaten this harmony, but stressed that cooperation and unity among Sarawakians had allowed the state leadership, led by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, to focus on long-term development.
“This is why unity must be defended. As Sarawakians, it is our shared responsibility,” he said, calling on grassroots leaders to continue supporting the state’s development agenda.
Dr Ripin also addressed rising public expectations following the recent announcement of increased allowances for community leaders and councillors in the state budget.
He said the increase should translate into stronger performance and service delivery at the grassroots level.
“This is not just about allowances. It is about exceeding expectations and proving our value to the people,” he said, urging community heads and councillors to be more proactive in assisting development efforts in their respective areas.
He emphasised the importance of disseminating information on state initiatives, particularly free tertiary education in Sarawak-owned institutions, to ensure rural communities and longhouse residents were fully aware of available opportunities.
Parents were encouraged to consider Sarawak institutions for their children’s post-secondary education, noting the significant financial commitment made by the state government.
He also cited other assistance schemes, including student allowances, maternity assistance, healthcare benefits for senior citizens, first-home deposit assistance and loans for longhouse construction under the Sarawak Housing Development Corporation.
“These initiatives are meaningful only if people know about them. Community leaders must play their role in sharing this information,” he said.
Turning to climate-related challenges, Dr Ripin warned that extreme weather events were becoming more frequent, citing two flood incidents in the area this year, in February and again recently.
He urged communities, especially those in low-lying and riverine areas, to remain vigilant and to plan housing development more carefully to mitigate flood risks.
“We cannot ignore what we already know. If an area is prone to flooding, we must adapt. Otherwise, the losses will be ours,” he said.
Dr Ripin also cautioned against relying solely on social media during emergencies, stressing that timely contact with relevant agencies such as the district disaster committee, Welfare Department, Fire and Rescue Department, Public Works Department, Sarawak Energy and the water authority was crucial to minimise damage and protect lives.
“Posting online does not solve the problem. Taking the right action does,” he said.
At the event, Minor Rural Project (MRP) grants amounting to RM401,000 were presented to 22 recipients, comprising churches, chapels, community organisations and village committees in the Lambir constituency.
