BINTANGOR: The Sarawak government remains committed to accelerating the implementation of the Kampung Melayu Bintangor Riverbank Erosion Control Project Phase 1 worth RM17 million to guarantee the safety of the residents and ensure that local development runs smoothly and has an impact.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol said that the move to accelerate the design phase of the project is among the government's proactive actions in addressing the issue of riverbank erosion that affects the local community.

According to him, apart from the project in question, there are five Rural Transformation Projects (RTP) and Minir Rural Projects (MRP) of Semop constituency also being implemented in Kampung Melayu Bintangor.

"These include road repairs in Kampung Muhibbah Bintangor (RM50,000), construction of a jetty on Jalan Abang Amin Lorong 2 (RM65,000), upgrading the main road in Kampung Melayu Bintangor (RM400,000), upgrading the drainage system between SK Abang Amin and Kampung Abang Ali (RM200,000) and the erosion control project on the banks of the Kampung Melayu Bintangor River, Phase 1, Meradong, Sarikei (RM17 million)," he said.

He said this when met during a working visit here on Friday.

During the programme, Datuk Abdullah also witnessed the disbursement of MRP funds totaling RM166,000 as a manifestation of the government's continued commitment to empowering development at the grassroots level.

He stressed that the disbursement of MRP funds is a strategic initiative as a pillar of development at the community level, especially in ensuring that the welfare of the people continues to be maintained regardless of racial and religious background.

"Among the MRP grants presented were to SJK (C) Ming Shing, Bintangor (RM3,000), JKKK Sungai Sian (RM3,000), JKKK Kampung Bintangor Zone 1 (RM65,000), JKKK Kampung Muhibbah Bintangor (RM50,000), KMKK Malay Community Bintangor (RM30,000), Saberkas Meradong Branch (RM10,000) and the Bintangor Native Children's Welfare Association (RM5,000) for annual activities," he said.

Meanwhile, Datuk Abdullah explained that the special allocation of RM30,000 to the Bintangor Malay Community KMKK Council was aimed at streamlining the management of financial assistance so that community issues could be addressed more quickly and effectively.

He also informed that KMKK was provided with a Disaster and Emergency Fund of RM10,000 to enable immediate action to be taken in the event of critical situations such as house damage or death.

“In the event of a critical case such as a collapsed house or death, assistance can be channeled directly based on discretion and humanitarian considerations without having to wait for a long correspondence process,” he said.

In the meantime, he also emphasized that every festival is a shared property and is celebrated inclusively by all Sarawakians.

“This is the uniqueness and strength of our state which is rich in cultural, religious and racial diversity. This spirit of unity and mutual respect must continue to be preserved so that the harmony we enjoy today can be passed on to future generations,” he said.

In the context of education, he emphasised that the role of teachers is very significant not only in imparting knowledge, but also in shaping the character and noble values ​​of students.

“Teachers educate our children to get along regardless of race and religion, respect differences and communicate well in a pluralistic society. These values ​​will produce a mature, prudent and united generation,” he added.

In this regard, the programme was held as a sign of appreciation and gratitude for the commitment of teachers at SJK (C) Ming Shing who continue to educate students with full dedication.

The programme, which started at 9 am, involved a visit to SJK (C) Ming Shing and the Meradong Branch of the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), which was also attended by the Deputy Head of the PBB Party Branch N.46 Meradong, Cr Samsawi Mohamad, Head of the PBB Party Youth Movement, Branch N.46 Meradong, Cr Khairulddin Qalam Daud, Headmaster of SJK (C) Ming Shing, Ngu Yii Lee, Pemanca Rapen Anga and Kapitan Pat Kam Peng. –UKASnews

Translator: Ryan Lim