ASAJAYA: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) has taken a significant step beyond academia by implementing its Kampung Angkat Madani programme to drive sustainable development in five villages in the Semera area here.
The villages involved are Kampung Semera Masjid, Semera Hilir, Lot Buah, Lot Baru and Ulu Semera.
Officiated by Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee, the programme saw over 18 Unimas departments working together under a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to empower rural communities through practical solutions.
“This kind of programme is not just about building physical structures like library renovations or community activities.
“It involves meaningful, day-to-day improvements that matter to the people,” she said.
Among the key infrastructure projects were the installation of a rainwater harvesting system at the village mosque and hall, solar lamps for improved safety, upgrades to the community hall’s electrical wiring, and the construction of a new jetty and dockyard to meet transport needs in the riverine region.
The programme also featured eight non-physical components focused on knowledge transfer and skill-building, aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability and self-reliance among the villagers.
Unimas vice-chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit said the programme reflected the university’s commitment to be a catalyst for change, in line with Sarawak’s Sarawak Maju Makmur vision.
Rodiyah echoed this, saying Sarawak Maju Makmur is not just a slogan, but a shared ambition to bring balanced and inclusive development to every part of the state, including rural areas like Kampung Semera.
The initiative was supported by strategic partnerships with the Samarahan Resident’s Office, Asajaya District Office, and the Community Development Department (Kemas), among others.
