ENGKILILI: The upgrading of Engkilili Sub-District to a full district is highly anticipated, as the move will enable the area to develop at a faster pace.
Engkilili assemblyman, Dr. Johnical Rayong Ngipa, stated that as long as Engkilili remains a sub-district, the allocations for development initiatives remains too limited.
“With such restricted funding, it is undoubtedly difficult to develop Engkilili to be on par with surrounding areas.
“Therefore, we hope Engkilili can be elevated to full district status, which would undoubtedly bring the advantage of larger allocations for development initiatives,” he said.
He said this at the 26th Anniversary Celebration of Rumah Panjang Tupi Manjor, Merio Tambak, Rembai, held here recently.
He further explained that the socioeconomic status of the residents would also improve significantly if this aspiration were to become a reality.
“It is like building a house, if the framework is not strong, how can we construct it up to three or four storeys? It would surely collapse.
“Thus, when Engkilili eventually becomes a full district, the socioeconomic status of its residents will also improve.
“It will also make it easier for elected representatives to plan and implement development agendas more smoothly in Engkilili.
“This aligns with the aspirations of the Sarawak Government under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who aims to bridge the development gap between rural and urban areas,” he said.
At the event, Dr. Rayong, who is also the Vice-President of the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), announced an allocation of RM140,000 under his 2025 Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) for the replacement of the longhouse’s roof and the construction of a storage facility.
Additionally, 11 Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKs) and Women’s Bureaus from the surrounding areas received a total allocation of RM116,000 from Dr. Rayong through the Minor Rural Project (MRP) grant.
Rumah Panjang Tupi Manjor, Merio Tambak, Rembai, which has 11 doors, was built in 1997, with Tuai Rumah Manjor Singut appointed as its first headman.
