SEBAUH: The participation of over 700 residents in the Sebauh District 2026 Gotong-Royong Programme reflects the community's high spirit of cooperation in maintaining environmental cleanliness, thus strengthening preparedness to face disaster risks.

Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development and Kemena Assemblyman, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, said that organising such programmes is not only focused on efforts to clean public areas, especially in Sebauh Market, but also serves as a platform to form a united, disciplined community that is always aware of safety aspects.

According to him, the encouraging response recorded reflects the high level of community awareness of the importance of working together for mutual well-being.

"This gotong-royong programme is not only to ensure the cleanliness of the area, but also to foster a spirit of unity and preparedness among the residents," he said.

He said this when speaking at the Sebauh District First Gotong-Royong Programme 2026 organised by the Sebauh District Office in collaboration with the Sebauh District One Stop Committee (OSC) on Drug and Substance Issues (MIOS), the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS), the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and the Sebauh District Fire and Rescue Team at the Sebauh District Hall, on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Dato Sri Dr Rundi stressed that the practice of gotong-royong can form a community that is more caring and prepared to face emergency situations such as floods and fires, especially in the current uncertain weather conditions.

In this regard, he reminded residents to always be alert to potential disaster risks, including fire hazards due to old electrical wiring that is not properly maintained.

“Floods do happen every year, so we need to always be prepared. Apart from that, there is also a risk of fire due to old wiring that cannot handle the electrical current. If not maintained properly, it can be dangerous,” he explained.

He also advised residents to turn off the electricity supply during floods to avoid electric shocks and unwanted incidents.

At the same time, he urged the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) and household heads to identify potential dangers in their respective areas and take early preventive measures, in addition to channeling any safety issues through the correct channels to elected representatives or authorities to enable immediate action to be taken.

He added that the culture of gotong-royong should be continued as a medium to strengthen community cooperation networks, increase awareness of safety and form a more resilient community.
He also expressed his appreciation to all parties including government agencies, non-governmental organizations and volunteers involved in making the programme a success.

Also present were Bintulu Division Resident, Datu Nyurak Keti, Sebauh District Officer, Thaddeus Ling, Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier,, Collin Patan, Bintulu Division UKAS Officer, Jerida Andin and Temenggong Limin Anai.-UKASnews